Aminoheterocyclic derivatives as antithrombotic or anticoagulant agents

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns compounds of formula (I)  
                 
 
     wherein each of G 1 , G 2  and G 3  is CH or N; m is 1 or 2; R 1  includes hydrogen, halogeno and (1-4C)alkyl; M 1  is a group of the formula: NR 2 —L 1 —T 1 R 3  in which R 2  and R 3  together form a (1-4C)alkylene group, L 1  includes (1-4C)alkylene, and T 1  is CH or N; A may be a direct link; M 2  is a group of the formula: (T 2 R 4 ) r —L 2 —T 3 R 5  in which r is 0 or 1, each of T 2  and T 3  is CH or N, each of R 4  and R 5  is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, or R 4  and R 5  together form a (1-4C)alkylene group, and L 2  includes (1-4C)alkylene; M 3  may be a direct link to X; X includes sulphonyl; and Q includes naphthyl and a heterocyclic moiety; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof; processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as antithrombotic or anticoagulant agents.

[0001] The invention relates to a group of aminoheterocyclic derivatives, or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which possess antithrombotic and anticoagulant properties and are accordingly useful in methods of treatment of the human or animal body. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of said aminoheterocyclic derivatives, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to their use in the manufacture of medicaments for use in the production of an antithrombotic or anticoagulant effect.

[0002] The antithrombotic and anticoagulant effect produced by the compounds of the invention is believed to be attributable to their strong inhibitory effect against the activated coagulation protease known as Factor Xa. Factor Xa is one of a cascade of proteases involved in the complex process of blood coagulation. The protease known as thrombin is the final protease in the cascade and Factor Xa is the preceding protease which cleaves prothrombin to generate thrombin.

[0003] Certain compounds are known to possess Factor Xa inhibitory properties and the field has been reviewed by R. B. Wallis, Current Opinion in Therapeutic Patents, 1993, 1173-1179. Thus it is known that two proteins, one known as antistatin and the other known as tick anticoagulant protein (TAP), are specific Factor Xa inhibitors which possess antithrombotic properties in various animal models of thrombotic disease.

[0004] It is also known that certain non-peptidic compounds possess Factor Xa inhibitory properties. Of the low molecular weight inhibitors mentioned in the review by R. B. Wallis, all possessed a strongly basic group such as an amidinophenyl or amidinonaphthyl group.

[0005] It is the object of the present invention to provide a new class of agent which lacks the amidino group previously believed to be an essential feature for a Factor Xa inhibitor.

[0006] We have now found that certain amino-substituted heterocyclic derivatives possess Factor Xa inhibitory activity. Many of the compounds of the present invention also possess the advantage of being selective Factor Xa inhibitors, that is the enzyme Factor Xa is inhibited strongly at concentrations of test compound which do not inhibit or which inhibit to a lesser extent the enzyme thrombin which is also a member of the blood coagulation enzymatic cascade.

[0007] The compounds of the present invention possess activity in the treatment or prevention of a variety of medical disorders where anticoagulant therapy is indicated, for example in the treatment or prevention of thrombotic conditions such as coronary artery and cerebro-vascular disease. Further examples of such medical disorders include various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions such as myocardial infarction, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, venous or arterial thrombosis, coagulation syndromes, vascular injury including reocclusion and restenosis following angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery, thrombus formation after the application of blood vessel operative techniques, the introduction of artificial heart valves or on the recirculation of blood, cerebral infarction, cerebral thrombosis, stroke, cerebral embolism, pulmonary embolism, ischaemia and angina (including unstable angina).

[0008] The compounds of the invention are also useful as inhibitors of blood coagulation in an ex-vivo situation such as, for example, the storage of whole blood or other biological samples suspected to contain Factor Xa and in which coagulation is detrimental.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I (set out hereinafter) wherein G¹ is CH or N;

[0010] G² is CH or N;

[0011] G³ is CH or N;

[0012] m is 1 or 2;

[0013] R¹ is hydrogen, amino, halogeno, cyano, (1-4C)alkyl or (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0014] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0015] in which R² and R³ together form a (1-4C)alkylene group,

[0016] L¹ is (1-4C)alkylene, and

[0017] T¹ is CH or N,

[0018] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the ring formed when R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a (1-4C)alkyl substituent;

[0019] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group, or A is (1-4C)alkylene;

[0020] M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0021] in which r is 0 or 1,

[0022] T² is CH or N,

[0023] T³ is CH or N,

[0024] R⁴ is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, R⁵ is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a (1-4C)alkylene, methylenecarbonyl or carbonylmethylene group, or R⁴ is a (2-3C)alkylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², or R⁵ is a (2-3C)alkylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁵ and T³,

[0025] L² is (1-4C)alkylene, (3-6C)cycloalkane-1,2-diyl, (1-3C)alkylene-carbonyl or phenylene, and, when r is 1, L² may also be carbonyl-(1-3C)alkylene, and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the rings formed when R⁴ and R⁵, R⁴ and L² or R⁵ and L² are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of oxo, carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]-N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]-N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-3C)alkyl]-N-[hydroxy-(2-3C) alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-3C) alkyl]-N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, (1-4C)alkyl, carboxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, piperidinocarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, morpholinocarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(1-4C)alkyl and phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl,

[0026] and wherein any heterocyclic group in said substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl and N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl,

[0027] and wherein any phenyl or phenylene group in M² optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0028] M³is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0029] in which s is 0 or 1,

[0030] R⁶ is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, or R⁵ and R⁶ together form a (1-4C)alkylene, methylenecarbonyl or carbonylmethylene group, or R⁶ is a (2-3C)alkylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L³ forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving NR⁶,

[0031] L³ is (1-4C)alkylene, (3-6C)cycloalkane-1,2-diyl, carbonyl-(1-3C)alkylene or phenylene, and, when s is 1, L³ may also be (1-3C)alkylene-carbonyl,

[0032] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L³ and the rings formed when R⁵ and R⁶ or R⁶ and L³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of oxo, carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, (1-4C)alkyl, carboxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, piperidinocarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, morpholinocarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(1-4C)alkyl and phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl,

[0033] and wherein any heterocyclic group in said substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl and N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl,

[0034] and wherein any phenyl or phenylene group in M³ optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0035] X is oxy, thio, sulphinyl, sulphonyl, carbonyl, carbonyloxy, carbonylamino, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbonylamino, sulphonylamino, methylene, (1-4C)alkylmethylene or di-(1-4C)alkylmethylene, or, when T³ is CH and M³is a direct link to X, X may also be aminosulphonyl or oxycarbonyl; and

[0036] Q is phenyl, naphthyl, phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl, phenyl-(2-4C)alkenyl, phenyl-(2-4C)alkynyl, (5-7C)cycloalkyl or a heterocyclic moiety containing up to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, and Q optionally bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, amino, halogeno, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, carboxy, carbamoyl, formyl, formimidoyl, formohydroximoyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (2-4C)alkanoylamino, (2-4C)alkanoyl, (2-4C)alkanoimidoyl, (2-4C)alkanohydroximoyl, phenyl, heteroaryl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenylsulphinyl, phenylsulphonyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, heteroarylsulphinyl, heteroarylsulphonyl, benzyl and benzoyl,

[0037] and wherein said heteroaryl substituent or the heteroaryl group in a heteroaryl-containing substituent comprises a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring containing up to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, and wherein said phenyl, heteroaryl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenylsulphinyl, phenylsulphonyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, heteroarylsulphinyl, heteroarylsulphonyl, benzyl or benzoyl substituent optionally bears 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, trifluoromethyl, cyano, trifluoromethoxy, nitro, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, hydroxy, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (2-4C)alkanoylamino and tetrazolyl;

[0038] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

[0039] The chemical formulae referred to herein by Roman numerals are set out for convenience on a separate sheet hereinafter. In this specification the term “alkyl” includes both straight and branched chain alkyl groups but references to individual alkyl groups such as “propyl” are specific for the straight chain version only. An analogous convention applies to other generic terms.

[0040] It is to be understood that certain aminoheterocyclic derivatives of the present invention can exist in solvate as well as unsolvated forms such as, for example, hydrated forms. It is to be understood that the invention encompasses all such solvated forms which possess Factor Xa inhibitory activity.

[0041] It is further to be understood that, insofar as certain of the compounds of the formula defined above may exist in optically active or racemic forms by virtue of one or more asymmetric carbon atoms, the invention encompasses any such optically active or racemic form which possesses Factor Xa inhibitory activity. The synthesis of optically active forms may be carried out by standard techniques of organic chemistry well known in the art, for example by synthesis from optically active starting materials or by resolution of a racemic form.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula Ia wherein G¹ is CH or N;

[0043] G² is CH or N;

[0044] m is 1 or 2;

[0045] R¹ is hydrogen, amino, halogeno, cyano, (1-4C)alkyl or (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0046] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0047] in which R² and R³ together form a (1-4C)alkylene group,

[0048] L¹ is (1-4C)alkylene, and

[0049] T¹ is CH or N,

[0050] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the rings formed when R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a (1-4C)alkyl substituent;

[0051] (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0052] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group, or A is (1-⁴C)alkylene;

[0053] M²is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0054] in which r is 0 or 1,

[0055] T² is CH or N,

[0056] T³ is CH or N,

[0057] R⁴ is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, R⁵ is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a (1-4C)alkylene, methylenecarbonyl or carbonylmethylene group, or R⁴ is a (2-3C)alkylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², or R⁵ is a (2-3C)alkylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁵ and T³,

[0058] L² is (1-4C)alkylene, (3-6C)cycloalkane-1,2-diyl, (1-3C)alkylene-carbonyl or phenylene, and, when r is 1, L² may also be carbonyl-(1-3C)alkylene,

[0059] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the rings formed when R⁴ and R⁵, R⁴ and L² or R⁵ and L² are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]-N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]-N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-3c)alkyl]-N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-3C)alkyl]-N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, (1-4C)alkyl, carboxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, piperidinocarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, morpholinocarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(1-4C)alkyl and phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl,

[0060] and wherein any heterocyclic group in said substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl and N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl,

[0061] and wherein any phenyl or phenylene group in M² optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0062] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0063] in which s is 0 or 1,

[0064] R⁶ is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, or R⁵ and R⁶ together form a (1-4C)alkylene, methylenecarbonyl or carbonylmethylene group, or R⁶ is a (2-3C)alkylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L³ forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving NR⁶,

[0065] L³ is (1-4C)alkylene, (3-6C)cycloalkane-1,2-diyl, carbonyl-(1-3C)alkylene or phenylene, and, when s is 1, L³ may also be (1-3C)alkylene-carbonyl,

[0066] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L³ and the rings formed when R⁵ and R⁶ or R⁶ and L³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]-carbamoyl, (1-4C)alkyl, carboxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, piperidinocarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, morpholinocarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(1-4C)alkyl and phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl,

[0067] and wherein any heterocyclic group in said substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl and N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl,

[0068] and wherein any phenyl or phenylene group in M³ optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0069] X is oxy, thio, sulphinyl, sulphonyl, carbonyl, carbonyloxy, carbonylamino, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbonylamino, sulphonylamino, methylene, (1-4C)alkylmethylene or di-(1-4C)alkylmethylene, or, when T³ is CH and

[0070] M³ is a direct link to X, X may also be aminosulphonyl or oxycarbonyl; and

[0071] Q is phenyl, naphthyl, phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl, phenyl-(2-4C)alkenyl, phenyl-(2-4C)alkynyl, (5-7C)cycloalkyl or a heterocyclic moiety containing up to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, and Q optionally bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, amino, halogeno, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, carboxy, carbamoyl, formyl, formimidoyl, formohydroximoyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (2-4C)alkanoylamino, (2-4C)alkanoyl, (2-4C)alkanoimidoyl, (2-4C)alkanohydroximoyl, phenyl, heteroaryl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenylsulphinyl, phenylsulphonyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, heteroarylsulphinyl, heteroarylsulphonyl, benzyl and benzoyl,

[0072] and wherein said heteroaryl substituent or the heteroaryl group in a heteroaryl-containing substituent comprises a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring containing up to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur,

[0073] and wherein said phenyl, heteroaryl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenylsulphinyl, phenylsulphonyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, heteroarylsulphinyl, heteroarylsulphonyl, benzyl or benzoyl substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, hydroxy, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (2-4C)alkanoylamino and tetrazolyl;

[0074] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

[0075] Suitable values for the generic terms referred to above include those set out below.

[0076] When m is 2, each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, amino, halogeno, cyano, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy.

[0077] A suitable value for R¹ when it is a halogeno group, for a halogeno substituent in M² or M³ or for a halogeno substituent in Q is, for example, fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo.

[0078] A suitable value for R¹ when it is a (1-4C)alkyl group, for a (1-4C)alkyl substituent in M¹, M² or M³ or for a (1-4C)alkyl substituent in Q is, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl or tert-butyl.

[0079] A suitable value for R¹ when it is a (1-4C)alkoxy group, for a (1-4C)alkoxy -substituent in M² or M³ or for a (1-4C)alkoxy substituent in Q is, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy or butoxy.

[0080] A suitable value for R⁴, R⁵ or R⁶ when it is (1-4C)alkyl is, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl or sec-butyl.

[0081] A suitable value for a (1-4C)alkylene group formed by R² and R³ together, by R⁴ and R⁵ together or by R⁵ and R⁶ together is, for example, methylene, ethylene, trimethylene or tetramethylene.

[0082] A suitable value for a (2-3C)alkylene group by which R⁴ may be linked to a methylene group within L², R⁵ may be linked to a methylene group within L² or R⁶ may be linked to a methylene group within L³ is, for example, ethylene or trimethylene.

[0083] A suitable value for L¹, L² or L³ when it is (1-4C)alkylene is, for example, methylene, ethylene, trimethylene or tetramethylene; a suitable value for L² or L³ when it is (3-6C)cycloalkane-1,2-diyl is, for example, cyclopropane-1,2-diyl, cyclobutane-1,2-diyl, cyclopentane-1,2-diyl or cyclohexane-1,2-diyl; when it is (1-3C)alkylene-carbonyl is, for example methylenecarbonyl, ethylenecarbonyl or trimethylenecarbonyl; and when it is phenylene is, for example, 1,3- or 1,4-phenylene.

[0084] A suitable value for L² and L³ when it is carbonyl-(1-3C)alkylene is, for example, carbonylmethylene, carbonylethylene or carbonyltrimethylene.

[0085] Suitable values for the substituents which may be present within M¹, M² or M³ include, for example: for (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl: methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl and tert-butoxycarbonyl; for N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl: N-methylcarbamoyl, N-ethylcarbamoyl and N-propylcarbamoyl; for N,N-di-[(1-4C)alkyl] - N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, carbamoyl: N-ethyl-N-methylcarbamoyl and N,N-diethylcarbamoyl; for 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1- 4-methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl and ylcarbonyl: 4-ethylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl; for N-(1-4C)alkyl- N-methyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl and N-phenylcarbamoyl: N-ethyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl; for N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]- N-benzylcarbamoyl and carbamoyl: N-phenethylcarbamoyl; for N-(1-4C)alkyl-N- N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl and [phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl: N-methyl-N-phenethylcarbamoyl; for N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]- N-(2-hydroxyethyl)carbamoyl and carbamoyl: N-(3-hydroxypropyl)carbamoyl; for N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[hydroxy- N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl (2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl: and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-ethyl- carbamoyl; for N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]- N-(2-methoxyethyl)carbamoyl and carbamoyl: N-(2-ethoxyethyl)carbamoyl; for N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[(1-4C)- N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl: and N-(2-ethoxyethyl)-N-ethyl- carbamoyl; for N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]- N-(carboxymethyl)carbamoyl, carbamoyl: N-(1-carboxyethyl)carbamoyl and N-(2-carboxyethyl)carbamoyl; for N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[carboxy- N-(carboxymethyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl, (1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl: N-(1-carboxyethyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl and N-(2-carboxyethyl)-N-methyl- carbamoyl; for N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]- N-(carboxymethyl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)- N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl: carbamoyl; for N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]- N-(carboxymethyl)-N-(2-methoxyethyl)- N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]- carbamoyl; carbamoyl: for N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl- N-(methoxycarbonylmethyl)carbamoyl, (1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl: N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)carbamoyl, N-(1-methoxycarbonylethyl)carbamoyl and N-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)carbamoyl; for N-(1-4C)alkyl- N-(methoxycarbonylmethyl)- N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl- N-methylcarbamoyl; (1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl: for N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl- N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N- (1-3C)alkyl]-N-[hydroxy- (methoxycarbonylmethyl)carbamoyl; (2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl: for N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl- N-(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-N- (1-3C)alkyl]-N-[(1-4C)alkoxy- (2-methoxyethyl)carbamoyl; (2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl: for (1-4C)alkyl: methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl and butyl; for carboxy-(1-4C)alkyl: carboxymethyl, 1-carboxyethyl, 2-carboxyethyl and 3-carboxypropyl; for (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl- methoxycarbonylmethyl, (1-4C)alkyl: ethoxycarbonylmethyl, tert-butoxy- carbonylmethyl, 1-methoxycarbonyl- ethyl, 1-ethoxycarbonylethyl, 2-methoxycarbonylethyl, 2-ethoxycarbonylethyl, 3-methoxycarbonylpropyl and 3-ethoxycarbonylpropyl; for carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl: carbamoylmethyl, 1-carbamoylethyl, 2-carbamoylethyl and 3-carbamoylpropyl; for N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl- N-methylcarbamoylmethyl, (1-4C)alkyl: N-ethylcarbamoylmethyl, N-propylcarbamoylmethyl, 1-(N-methylcarbamoyl)ethyl, 1-(N-ethylcarbamoyl)ethyl, 2-(N-methylcarbamoyl)ethyl, 2-(N-ethylcarbamoyl)ethyl and 3-(N-methylcarbamoyl)propyl; for N,N-di-[(1-4C)alkyl]- N,N-dimethylcarbamoylmethyl, carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl: N-ethyl-N-methylcarbamoylmethyl, N,N-diethylcarbamoylmethyl, 1-(N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl)ethyl, 1-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl)ethyl, 2-(N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl)ethyl, 2-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl)ethyl and 3-(N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl)propyl; for pyrrolidin-1-yl- pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonylmethyl, carbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl: 1-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl)ethyl and 2-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl)ethyl; for piperidinocarbonyl- piperidinocarbonylmethyl, (1-4C)alkyl: 1-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl and 2-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl; for morpholinocarbonyl- morpholinocarbomylmethyl, (1-4C)alkyl: 1-(morpholinocarbonyl)ethyl and 2-(morpholinocarbonyl)ethyl; for piperazin-1-yl- piperazin-1-ylcarbonylmethyl, carbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl: 1-(piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl)ethyl and 2-(piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl)ethyl; for 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin- 4-methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonylmethyl, 1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl: 4-ethylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonylmethyl, 2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl)- ethyl and 2-(4-ethylpiperazin-1- ylcarbonyl)ethyl; for N-phenylcarbamoyl- N-phenylcarbamoylmethyl and 2- (1-4C)alkyl: (N-phenylcarbamoyl)ethyl; for N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]- N-benzylcarbamoylmethyl, carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl: N-phenethylcarbamoylmethyl and 2-(N-benzylcarbamoyl)ethyl; for hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl: hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl and 3-hydroxypropyl; for (1-4C)alkoxy-(1-4C)alkyl: methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, 1-methoxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-ethoxyethyl and 3-methoxypropyl; and for phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl: benzyl, phenethyl and 3-phenylpropyl.

[0086] Suitable values for substituents which may be present on a heterocyclic group within a substituent which may be present within M² or M³ include, for example: for (1-4C)alkyl: methyl, ethyl, propyl and isopropyl; for (1-4C)alkoxy: methoxy, ethoxy and propoxy; for (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl: methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl and tert-butoxycarbonyl; for N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl: N-methylcarbamoyl and N-ethylcarbamoyl; and for N,N-di-(1-4C)alkyl- carbamoyl: N-N-dimethylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-methylcarbamoyl and N,N-diethylcarbamoyl.

[0087] A suitable value for A when it is (1-4C)alkylene is, for example, methylene, ethylene, trimethylene and tetramethylene.

[0088] It is to be understood that when M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0089] the order of the presentation of this group is significant as to the orientation of attachment of the group. Thus it is the NR² group which is attached to the heterocyclic group, for example, when G¹ and G² are each CH, the pyridyl group which bears the substituent R¹. It is also to be understood that within the NR² group it is the N atom which is attached to L¹. Likewise the R² group is attached to the N atom and not to the L¹ group. Similarly in the T¹R³ group it is the T¹ group which is attached to the group A of formula I (or the CO group within formula I when A is a direct link) and the R³ group is attached to the T¹ group and not to the group A of formula I. A similar convention applies to the attachment of the groups M² and M³ and to the attachment of the T², T³ and NR⁶ groups within M² or M³.

[0090] It is further to be understood that when R⁴ is a (2-3C)alkylene group such as ethylene and trimethylene which is linked to a methylene group which L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving T² and R⁴, a suitable ring so formed when T² is N is, for example, pyrrolidine-1,3-diyl, piperidine-1,3-diyl and piperidine-1,4-diyl and a suitable ring so formed when T² is CH is, for example, cyclopentane-1,3-diyl, cyclohexane-1,3-diyl and cyclohexane-1,4-diyl. Such ring systems are also suitable when, for example, R⁵ is linked to a methylene group within L². Ring systems such as pyrrolidine-1,3-diyl, piperidine-1,3-diyl and piperidine-1,4-diyl are also suitable when R⁶ is linked to a methylene within L³.

[0091] For the avoidance of doubt it is stated that a suitable heterocyclic group in a substituent which may be present within M² and M³ includes, for example, pyrrolidin-1-yl, piperidino, morpholino, piperazin-1-yl and 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-yl whether directly attached or attached by way of a linking group as in, for example, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl such as 2-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl)ethyl.

[0092] A suitable value for X when it is a N-(1-4C)alkylcarbonylamino group is, for example, N-methylcarbonylamino or N-ethylcarbonylamino; when it is (1-4C)alkylmethylene is, for example, ethane-1,1-diyl or propane-1,1-diyl; and when it is di-(1-4C)alkylmethylene is, for example, propane-2,2-diyl. It is also to be understood that when X is a carbonyloxy, carbonylamino or N-(1-4C)alkylcarbonylamino group, it is the carbonyl group therein which is attached to M³ . Likewise when X is a sulphonylamino group it is the sulphonyl group therein which is attached to M³ whereas, when X is an aminosulphonyl group, the sulphonyl group therein is attached to Q.

[0093] A suitable value for Q when it is naphthyl is, for example, 1-naphthyl or 2-naphthyl; when it is phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl is, for example, benzyl, phenethyl and 3-phenylpropyl, when it is phenyl-(2-4C)alkenyl is, for example, styryl, cinnamyl or 3-phenylprop-2-enyl; when it is phenyl-(2-4C)alkynyl is, for example, 2-phenylethynyl, 3-phenylprop-2-ynyl and 3-phenylprop-1-ynyl; and when it is (5-7C)cycloalkyl is, for example, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl.

[0094] A suitable value for Q when it is a heterocyclic moiety containing up to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur is, for example, a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic moiety which is a single ring or is fused to one or two benzo rings such as furyl, benzofuranyl, tetrahydrofuryl, chromanyl, thienyl, benzothienyl, pyridyl, piperidinyl, quinolyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolinyl, isoquinolyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, pyrazinyl, piperazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, indolyl, indolinyl, imidazolyl, benzimidazolyl, pyrazolyl, indazolyl, oxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, isothiazolyl, morpholinyl, 4H-1,4-benzoxazinyl, 4H-1,4-benzothiazinyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, furazanyl, thiadiazolyl, tetrazolyl, dibenzofuranyl and dibenzothienyl, which may be attached through any available position including, for an appropriate X group such as, for example, carbonyl and methylene, through any available nitrogen atom and which may bear up to three substituents including a substituent on any available nitrogen atom.

[0095] Suitable values for the substituents which may be present within Q include, for example: for (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl: methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl and tert-butoxycarbonyl; for (1-4C)alkyl: methyl, ethyl, propyl and isopropyl; for (1-4C)alkoxy: methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy and isopropoxy; for N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl: N-methylcarbamoyl and N-ethylcarbamoyl; for N,N-di-(1-4C)alkyl- N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl and carbamoyl: N,N-diethylcarbamoyl; for (1-4C)alkylamino: methylamino, ethylamino and propylamino; for di-(1-4C)alkylamino: dimethylamino, N-ethyl-N-methylamino and diethylamino; for (2-4C)alkanoylamino: acetamido, propionamido and butyramido; for (2-4C)alkanoyl: acetyl, propionyl and butyryl; for (2-4C)alkanoimidoyl: acetimidoyl and propionoimidoyl; and for (2-4C)alkanohydroximoyl: acetohydroximoyl and propionohydroximoyl.

[0096] A suitable value for the heteroaryl substituent or the heteroaryl group in a heteroaryl-containing substituent which comprises a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring containing up to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur is, for example, furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, furazanyl and thiadiazolyl which may be attached through any available position including through any available nitrogen atom.

[0097] A suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the invention is, for example, an acid-addition salt of an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the invention which is sufficiently basic, for example, an acid-addition salt with, for example, an inorganic or organic acid, for example hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulphuric, phosphoric, trifluoroacetic, citric or maleic acid. In addition a suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the invention which is sufficiently acidic is an alkali metal salt, for example a sodium or potassium salt, an alkaline earth metal salt, for example a calcium or magnesium salt, an ammonium salt or a salt with an organic base which affords a physiologically-acceptable cation, for example a salt with methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, piperidine, morpholine or tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine.

[0098] Particular compounds of the invention include, for example, aminoheterocyclic derivatives of the formula I or of the formula Ia, or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, wherein, unless otherwise stated, each of G¹, G², G³, m, R¹, M¹, A, M², M³, X and Q has any of the meanings defined hereinbefore or in this section concerning particular compounds of the invention:

[0099] (a) each of G¹, G² and G³ is CH;

[0100] (b) each of G¹ and G² is CH and G³ is N, or G¹ is N and each of G² and G³ is CH;

[0101] (c) m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0102] (d) A is a direct link to the carbonyl group;

[0103] (e) A is (1-4C)alkylene;

[0104] (f) M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0105]  in which r is 1, T² is CH or N, T³ is CH or N,

[0106]  R⁴ is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, R⁵ is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a (1-4C)alkylene group, or R⁴ is a (2-3C)alkylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and

[0107]  L² is (1-4C)alkylene,

[0108]  and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the rings formed when R⁴ and R⁵ or R⁴ and L² are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl, (1-4C)alkyl and phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl,

[0109]  and wherein any heterocyclic group in said substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 (1-4C)alkyl substituents,

[0110]  and wherein any phenyl group in M² optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0111] (g) M³ is a direct link to X;

[0112] (h) M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0113]  in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl,

[0114]  L³ is (1-4C)alkylene or carbonyl-(1-3C)alkylene, and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L³ optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of (1-4C)alkyl, hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl and phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl,

[0115]  and wherein any phenyl group in M³ optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0116] (i) X is thio, sulphinyl or sulphonyl;

[0117] (j) X is sulphonyl;

[0118] (k) X is carbonyl, carbonyloxy, carbonylamino or N-(1-4C)alkylcarbonylamino;

[0119] (l) X is sulphonylamino or, when T³ is CH and M³ is a direct link to x, x may also be aminosulphonyl;

[0120] (m) X is methylene, (1-4C)alkylmethylene or di-(1-4C) alkylmethylene;

[0121] (n) Q is phenyl, naphthyl or phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl which optionally bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogeno, cyano, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, phenyl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenylsulphinyl, phenylsulphonyl, benzyl and benzoyl, and wherein the phenyl substituent or the phenyl group in a phenyl-containing substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C) alkoxy;

[0122] (o) Q is phenyl which bears a phenyl substituent and optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogeno, cyano, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy, and wherein the phenyl substituent optionally bears up to 4 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, trifluoromethyl, cyano, trifluoromethoxy, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0123] (p) Q is phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl, phenyl-(2-4C)alkenyl or phenyl-(2-4C)alkynyl which optionally bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, cyano, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0124] (q) Q is phenyl-(2-4C)alkenyl which optionally bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, cyano, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0125] (r) Q is phenyl or phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl which bears 1 substituent selected from the group consisting of heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, heteroarylsulphinyl and heteroarylsulphonyl, wherein the heteroaryl substituent or the heteroaryl group in a heteroaryl-containing substituent comprises a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring containing up to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, and wherein said heteroaryl or heteroaryl-containing substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C) alkoxy;

[0126] (s) Q is phenyl which bears 1 substituent selected from the group consisting of heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio and heteroarylsulphonyl, wherein the heteroaryl substituent or the heteroaryl group in a heteroaryl-containing substituent is selected from the group consisting of thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl and 1,2,4-triazolyl, and wherein said heteroaryl or heteroaryl-containing substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno and (1-4C)alkyl;

[0127] (t) Q is naphthyl which optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogeno, cyano, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0128] (u) Q is a heterocyclic moiety containing up to 2 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of benzofuranyl, quinolyl, tetrahydroquinolyl, isoquinolyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, indazolyl, benzoxazolyl and benzothiazolyl, and Q optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, cyano, trifluromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0129] (v) Q is a heterocyclic moiety containing up to 2 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of benzofuranyl, quinolyl, tetrahydroquinolyl, isoquinolyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, indazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, dibenzofuranyl and dibenzothienyl, and Q optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, cyano, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy;

[0130] (w) Q is a heterocyclic moiety containing up to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl and tetrazolyl, and Q optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, cyano, carboxy, carbamoyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl and N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl;

[0131] (x) Q is a heterocyclic moiety containing up to 2 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl and thiazolyl, and Q optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, phenyl, heteroaryl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenylsulphinyl, phenylsulphonyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, heteroarylsulphinyl, heteroarylsulphonyl, benzyl and benzoyl, wherein the heteroaryl substituent or the heteroaryl group in a heteroaryl-containing substituent is selected from the group consisting of thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl and thiazolyl, and wherein said phenyl, phenyl-containing, heteroaryl or heteroaryl-containing substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy; or

[0132] (y) Q is a heterocyclic moiety containing up to 2 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of thienyl, pyridyl, oxazolyl and thiazolyl, and Q bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of phenyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, oxazolyl and thiazolyl, which substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy, and Q optionally bears a further substituent selected from the group consisting of halogeno and (1-4C)alkyl;

[0133] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

[0134] A preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I

[0135] wherein each of G¹, G² and G³ is CH, or each of G¹ and G² is CH and G³ is N, or G¹ is N and each of G² and G³ is CH;

[0136] m is 1 or 2 and each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, amino, fluoro, chloro, bromo, cyano, methyl, ethyl and methoxy;

[0137] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L—T¹R³

[0138] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0139] L¹ is methylene or ethylene, and T¹ is CH or N,

[0140] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the ring formed when R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl and ethyl;

[0141] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group or A is methylene;

[0142] M²is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0143] in which r is 0 or 1, T² is CH or N, T³ is N,

[0144] R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a methylene, ethylene, trimethylene or methylenecarbonyl group, or R⁴ is an ethylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and

[0145] L² is methylene, ethylene, trimethylene, methylenecarbonyl or phenylene,

[0146] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the ring formed when R⁴ and R⁵ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of oxo, carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, 4-methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, methyl, ethyl, carboxymethyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, ethoxycarbonylmethyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl and benzyl,

[0147] and wherein the pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl or 4-methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl substituent optionally bears a methyl or ethyl substituent;

[0148] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0149] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene or carbonylethylene;

[0150] X is thio, sulphinyl, sulphonyl, carbonyl, carbonyloxy or methylene; and Q is phenyl, naphthyl, benzyl, phenethyl, styryl, 2-phenylethynyl, dibenzofuranyl, biphenylyl, pyridylphenyl or pyridylthienyl, and Q optionally bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, amino, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, carboxy, carbamoyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy;

[0151] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

[0152] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I

[0153] wherein each of G¹, G² and G³ is CH, or each of G¹ and G² is CH and G³ is N, or G¹ is N and each of G² and G³ is CH;

[0154] m is 1 or 2 and each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, amino, chloro, methyl and ethyl;

[0155] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0156] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0157] L¹ is ethylene, and

[0158] T¹ is CH or N;

[0159] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group or A is methylene;

[0160] M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0161] in which r is 0 or 1, T² is N, T³ is N,

[0162] R⁴ is hydrogen, R⁵ is hydrogen, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, or R⁴ is an ethylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L²forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and

[0163] L² is methylene, ethylene or phenylene,

[0164] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the ring formed when R⁴ and R⁵ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, 4-methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, methyl, ethyl and benzyl,

[0165] and wherein the pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl or 4-methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl substituent optionally bears a methyl or ethyl substituent;

[0166] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0167] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene;

[0168] X is sulphonyl; and

[0169] Q is phenyl, naphthyl, benzyl, phenethyl, styryl, 2-phenylethynyl, dibenzofuranyl, biphenylyl, pyridylphenyl or pyridylthienyl, and Q optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy;

[0170] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

[0171] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula Ia

[0172] wherein each of G¹ and G² is CH;

[0173] m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0174] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0175] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0176] L¹ is methylene or ethylene, and

[0177] T¹ is CH or N,

[0178] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the ring formed when R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl and ethyl;

[0179] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group or A is methylene;

[0180] M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0181] in which r is 1, T² is CH or N, T³ is N,

[0182] R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, or R⁴ is an ethylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and

[0183] L² is methylene, ethylene or trimethylene,

[0184] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the ring formed when R⁴ and R⁵ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, methyl, ethyl and benzyl, and wherein the pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl or piperidinocarbonyl substituent optionally bears a methyl or ethyl substituent;

[0185] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0186] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene or carbonylethylene;

[0187] X is sulphonyl; and

[0188] Q is phenyl, 2-naphthyl or benzyl which optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo and trifluoromethyl;

[0189] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

[0190] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I

[0191] wherein G³ is CH or N and each of G¹ and G² is CH;

[0192] m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0193] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0194] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0195] L¹ is methylene or ethylene, and

[0196] T¹ is CH or N,

[0197] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the ring formed when

[0198] R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl and ethyl;

[0199] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group or A is methylene;

[0200] M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0201] in which r is 1, T² is CH or N, T³ is N,

[0202] R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a methylene, ethylene or trimethylene group, or R⁴ is an ethylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and

[0203] L² is methylene, ethylene or trimethylene,

[0204] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the ring formed when R⁴ and R⁵ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of oxo, carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, methyl, ethyl and benzyl, and wherein the pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl or piperidinocarbonyl substituent optionally bears one or two methyl or ethyl substituents;

[0205] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0206] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene or carbonylethylene;

[0207] X is sulphonyl; and

[0208] Q is 3- or 4-biphenylyl which optionally bears, in the ring attached to X, 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, fluoro, chloro, bromo, cyano, trifluoromethyl, methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy and which optionally bears in the terminal phenyl group up to 4 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, cyano, trifluoromethoxy, methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy;

[0209] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

[0210] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I

[0211] wherein G³ is CH or N and each of G¹ and G² is CH;

[0212] m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0213] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0214] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0215] L¹ is methylene or ethylene, and

[0216] T¹ is CH or N,

[0217] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the ring formed when R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl and ethyl;

[0218] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group or A is methylene;

[0219] M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L—T³R⁵

[0220] in which r is 1, T² is CH or N, T³ is N,

[0221] R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a methylene, ethylene or trimethylene group, or R⁴ is an ethylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and

[0222] L² is methylene, ethylene or trimethylene,

[0223] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the ring formed when R⁴ and R⁵ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of oxo, carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, methyl, ethyl and benzyl, and wherein the pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl or piperidinocarbonyl substituent optionally bears one or two methyl or ethyl substituents;

[0224] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0225] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene or carbonylethylene;

[0226] X is sulphonyl; and

[0227] Q is benzyl, phenethyl, styryl or 2-phenylethynyl which optionally bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, cyano, trifluoromethyl, methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy;

[0228] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

[0229] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula Ia

[0230] wherein each of G¹ and G² is CH;

[0231] m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0232] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0233] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0234] L¹ is methylene or ethylene, and

[0235] T¹ is CH or N,

[0236] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the ring formed when R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl and ethyl;

[0237] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group or A is methylene;

[0238] M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0239] in which r is 1, T² is CH or N, T³ is N,

[0240] R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, or R⁴ is an ethylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and

[0241] L² is methylene, ethylene or trimethylene,

[0242] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the ring formed when R⁴ and R⁵ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, methyl, ethyl and benzyl, and wherein the pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl or piperidinocarbonyl substituent optionally bears a methyl or ethyl substituent;

[0243] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶⁾ _(s)

[0244] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene or carbonylethylene;

[0245] X is sulphonyl; and

[0246] Q is 2-thienyl which bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of phenyl, thienyl, pyridyl and pyrimidinyl and wherein said substituents optionally bear 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo and methyl;

[0247] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

[0248] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I

[0249] wherein G³ is CH or N and each of G¹ and G² is CH;

[0250] m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0251] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0252] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0253] L¹ is methylene or ethylene, and

[0254] T¹ is CH or N,

[0255] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the ring formed when R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl and ethyl;

[0256] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group or A is methylene;

[0257] M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0258] in which r is 1, T² is CH or N, T³ is N,

[0259] R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, or R⁴ is an ethylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and

[0260] L² is methylene, ethylene or trimethylene,

[0261] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the ring formed when R⁴ and R⁵ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, methyl, ethyl and benzyl, and wherein the pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl or piperidinocarbonyl substituent optionally bears a methyl or ethyl substituent;

[0262] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0263] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene or carbonylethylene;

[0264] X is sulphonyl; and

[0265] Q is 3- or 4-biphenylyl which optionally bears in the terminal phenyl group up to 4 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, methyl and methoxy;

[0266] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

[0267] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I

[0268] wherein G³ is CH or N and each of G¹ and G² is CH;

[0269] m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0270] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0271] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0272] L¹ is methylene or ethylene, and

[0273] T¹ is CH or N.

[0274] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the ring formed when R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl and ethyl;

[0275] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group or A is methylene;

[0276] M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0277] in which r is 1, T² is CH or N, T³ is N,

[0278] R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, or R⁴ is an ethylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and

[0279] L² is methylene, ethylene or trimethylene,

[0280] and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the ring formed when R⁴ and R⁵ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, methyl, ethyl and benzyl, and wherein the pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl or piperidinocarbonyl substituent optionally bears a methyl or ethyl substituent;

[0281] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0282] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene or carbonylethylene;

[0283] X is sulphonyl; and

[0284] Q is phenethyl, styryl or 2-phenylethynyl which optionally bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, methyl and methoxy;

[0285] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

[0286] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula Ia

[0287] wherein each of G¹ and G² is CH;

[0288] m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0289] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0290] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0291] L¹ is ethylene, and

[0292] T¹ is CH or N;

[0293] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group;

[0294] M²is a group of formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0295] in which r is 1, T² is N and T³ is N,

[0296] R⁴ is hydrogen, R⁵ is hydrogen, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, and

[0297] L² is ethylene,

[0298] and wherein 1 methylene group within L² optionally bears a substituent selected from carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, piperidinocarbonyl and benzyl;

[0299] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0300] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene;

[0301] X is sulphonyl; and

[0302] Q is 2-naphthyl;

[0303] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.

[0304] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula Ia

[0305] wherein each of G¹ and G² is CH, G¹ is N and G² is CH, or G¹ is CH and G² is N;

[0306] m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0307] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0308] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0309] L¹ is ethylene, and

[0310] T¹ is CH or N;

[0311] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group;

[0312] M² is a group of formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0313] in which r is 1, T² is N and T³ is N,

[0314] R⁴ is hydrogen, R⁵ is hydrogen, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, and

[0315] L² is ethylene,

[0316] and wherein 1 methylene group within L² optionally bears a substituent selected from carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, piperidinocarbonyl, methyl and benzyl;

[0317] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0318] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene;

[0319] X is sulphonyl; and

[0320] Q is 2-naphthyl which optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, methyl, methoxy and ethoxy;

[0321] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.

[0322] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I

[0323] wherein each of G¹, G² and G³ is CH;

[0324] m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0325] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0326] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0327] L¹ is ethylene, and

[0328] T¹ is CH or N;

[0329] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group;

[0330] M² is a group of formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0331] in which r is 1, T² is N and T³ is N,

[0332] R⁴is hydrogen, R⁵ is hydrogen, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, and

[0333] L² is ethylene,

[0334] and wherein 1 methylene group within L² optionally bears a substituent selected from carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, piperidinocarbonyl and benzyl;

[0335] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0336] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene;

[0337] X is sulphonyl; and

[0338] Q is 4-biphenylyl which bears in the terminal phenyl group 1 or 2 substituents selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl and methyl;

[0339] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.

[0340] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I

[0341] wherein each of G¹, G² and G³ is CH, G¹ is N and each of G² and G³ is CH, or G³ is N and each of G¹ and G² is CH;

[0342] m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0343] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0344] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0345] L¹ is ethylene, and

[0346] T¹ is CH or N;

[0347] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group;

[0348] M² is a group of formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0349] in which r is 1, T² is N and T³ is N,

[0350] R⁴ is hydrogen, R⁵ is hydrogen, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, and

[0351] L² is ethylene,

[0352] and wherein 1 methylene group within L² optionally bears a substituent selected from carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, piperidinocarbonyl, methyl and benzyl;

[0353] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0354] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene;

[0355] X is sulphonyl; and

[0356] Q is 4-biphenylyl which bears in the terminal phenyl group 1 or 2 substituents selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl and methyl;

[0357] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.

[0358] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I

[0359] wherein each of G¹, G² and G³ is CH;

[0360] m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0361] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0362] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0363] L¹ is ethylene, and

[0364] T¹ is CH or N;

[0365] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group;

[0366] M² is a group of formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0367] in which r is 1, T² is N and T³ is N,

[0368] R⁴ is hydrogen, R⁵ is hydrogen, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, and

[0369] L² is ethylene,

[0370] and wherein 1 methylene group within L² optionally bears a substituent selected from carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, piperidinocarbonyl and benzyl;

[0371] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0372] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene;

[0373] X is sulphonyl; and

[0374] Q is styryl which optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl and methyl;

[0375] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.

[0376] A further preferred compound of the invention is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I

[0377] wherein each of G¹, G² and G³ is CH, G¹ is N and each of G² and G³ is CH, or G³ is N and each of G¹ and G² is CH;

[0378] m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen;

[0379] M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0380] in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group,

[0381] L¹ is ethylene, and

[0382] T¹ is CH or N;

[0383] A is a direct link to the carbonyl group;

[0384] M² is a group of formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0385] in which r is 1, T² is N and T³ is N,

[0386] R⁴ is hydrogen, R⁵ is hydrogen, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, and

[0387] L² is ethylene,

[0388] and wherein 1 methylene group within L² optionally bears a substituent selected from carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, piperidinocarbonyl, methyl and benzyl;

[0389] M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0390] in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene;

[0391] X is sulphonyl; and

[0392] Q is styryl which optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl and methyl;

[0393] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.

[0394] A specific preferred compound of the invention is the following aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I:

[0395] 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}acetamide,

[0396] 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine,

[0397] 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-(1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-{2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-yl]acetamido}ethyl)acetamide,

[0398] 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-(1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-{2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetamido}ethyl)acetamide,

[0399] ethyl 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]propionate,

[0400] 1-[1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-4-(4-pyridyl)-piperazine or

[0401] 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{1-phenyl-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]prop-2-yl}acetamide;

[0402] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.

[0403] A further specific preferred compound of the invention is the following aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I:

[0404] 4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-1-[(E)-styrylsulphonyl]-piperazine,

[0405] 1-[(E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl]-4-[-1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0406] 1-[(E)-4-methylstyrylsulphonyl]-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0407] 4-[(E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl]-2-methyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0408] 1-(4-biphenylylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine,

[0409] 1-(4′-chloro-4-biphenylylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine or

[0410] 1-[(E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl]-4-[1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine;

[0411] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.

[0412] A further specific preferred compound of the invention is the following aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I:

[0413] 1-(7-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0414] 2-ethoxycarbonyl-4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine or

[0415] 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine;

[0416] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.

[0417] A further specific preferred compound of the invention is the following aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I:

[0418] 1-[(E)-4-fluorostyrylsulphonyl]-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0419] 1-[(E)-4-bromostyrylsulphonyl]-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine or

[0420] 1-(4′-bromo-4-biphenylylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine;

[0421] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.

[0422] A further specific preferred compound of the invention is the following aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I:

[0423] 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0424] 1-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0425] 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0426] 4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-2-piperidinocarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0427] 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0428] 2-carboxy-4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0429] 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0430] 4-[1-(2-aminopyrimidin-4-yl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine or

[0431] 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridazinyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine;

[0432] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.

[0433] A further specific preferred compound of the invention is the following aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I:

[0434] 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0435] 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-carboxy-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0436] 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-morpholinocarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-or piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine,

[0437] 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-methoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine or

[0438] 2-carboxy-4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine;

[0439] or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

[0440] An aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I or of the formula Ia, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, may be prepared by any process known to be applicable to the preparation of structurally-related compounds. Such procedures are provided as a further feature of the invention and are illustrated by the following representative processes in which, unless otherwise stated G¹, G², G³, m, R¹, M¹, A, M², M³, X and Q (and any groups defined therein) have any of the meanings defined hereinbefore, provided that when there is an amino, alkylamino, hydroxy or carboxy group in R¹, M¹, M², M³ or Q then any such group is protected by a conventional protecting group which may be removed when so desired by conventional means.

[0441] Necessary starting materials may be obtained by standard procedures of organic chemistry. The preparation of such starting materials is illustrated within the accompanying Examples; alternatively analogous procedures to those illustrated may be employed by applying no more than the ordinary skill of an organic chemist.

[0442] (a) For the production of those compounds of the formula I wherein M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0443] in which T² is N and r is 1, the reaction, conveniently in the presence of a suitable base, of an acid of the formula II, or a reactive derivative thereof, with an amine of the formula

HNR⁴—L²—T³R⁵—M³—X—Q

[0444] A suitable reactive derivative of an acid of the formula II is, for example, an acyl halide, for example an acyl chloride formed by the reaction of the acid and an inorganic acid chloride, for example thionyl chloride; a mixed anhydride, for example an anhydride formed by the reaction of the acid and a chloroformate such as isobutyl chloroformate; an active ester, for example an ester formed by the reaction of the acid and a phenol such as pentafluorophenol, an ester such as pentafluorophenyl trifluoroacetate or an alcohol such as N-hydroxybenzotriazole or N-hydroxysuccinimide; an acyl azide, for example an azide formed by the reaction of the acid and an azide such as diphenylphosphoryl azide; an acyl cyanide, for example a cyanide formed by the reaction of an acid and a cyanide such as diethylphosphoryl cyanide; or the product of the reaction of the acid and a carbodiimide such as N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide or N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide.

[0445] The reaction is conveniently carried out in the presence of a suitable base such as, for example, an alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate, alkoxide, hydroxide or hydride, for example sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium ethoxide, potassium butoxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydride or potassium hydride, or an organometallic base such as an alkyl-lithium, for example n-butyl-lithium, or a dialkylamino-lithium, for example lithium di-isopropylamide, or, for example, an organic amine base such as, for example, pyridine, 2,6-lutidine, collidine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine, triethylamine, morpholine or diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. The reaction is also preferably carried out in a suitable inert solvent or diluent, for example methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidin-2-one, dimethylsulphoxide or acetone, and at a temperature in the range, for example, −78° to 150° C., conveniently at or near ambient temperature.

[0446] A suitable protecting group for an amino or alkylamino group is, for example, an acyl group, for example an alkanoyl group such as acetyl, an alkoxycarbonyl group, for example a methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl or tert-butoxycarbonyl group, an arylmethoxycarbonyl group, for example benzyloxycarbonyl, or an aroyl group, for example benzoyl. The deprotection conditions for the above protecting groups necessarily vary with the choice of protecting group. Thus, for example, an acyl group such as an alkanoyl or alkoxycarbonyl group or an aroyl group may be removed for example, by hydrolysis with a suitable base such as an alkali metal hydroxide, for example lithium or sodium hydroxide. Alternatively an acyl group such as a tert-butoxycarbonyl group may be removed, for example, by treatment with a suitable acid such as hydrochloric, sulphuric or phosphoric acid or trifluoroacetic acid and an arylmethoxycarbonyl group such as a benzyloxycarbonyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrogenation over a catalyst such as palladium-on-carbon, or by treatment with a Lewis acid for example boron tris(trifluoroacetate). A suitable alternative protecting group for a primary amino group is, for example, a phthaloyl group which may be removed by treatment with an alkylamine, for example dimethylaminopropylamine, or with hydrazine.

[0447] A suitable protecting group for a hydroxy group is, for example, an acyl group, for example an alkanoyl group such as acetyl, an aroyl group, for example benzoyl, or an arylmethyl group, for example benzyl. The deprotection conditions for the above protecting groups will necessarily vary with the choice of protecting group. Thus, for example, an acyl group such as an alkanoyl or an aroyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrolysis with a suitable base such as an alkali metal hydroxide, for example lithium or sodium hydroxide. Alternatively an arylmethyl group such as a benzyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrogenation over a catalyst such as palladium-on-carbon.

[0448] A suitable protecting group for a carboxy group is, for example, an esterifying group, for example a methyl or an ethyl group which may be removed, for example, by hydrolysis with a base such as sodium hydroxide, or for example a tert-butyl group which may be removed, for example, by treatment with an acid, for example an organic acid such as trifluoroacetic acid, or for example a benzyl group which may be removed, for example, by hydrogenation over a catalyst such as palladium-on-carbon.

[0449] (b) For the production of those compounds of the formula I wherein M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0450] in which T³ is N,

[0451] and wherein M³ is a direct link to X,

[0452] the reaction, conveniently in the presence of a suitable base as defined hereinbefore, of an amine of the formula III with a compound of the formula Z—X—Q wherein Z is a displaceable group.

[0453] A suitable value for the displaceable group Z is, for example, a halogeno or sulphonyloxy group, for example a fluoro, chloro, bromo, mesyloxy or 4-tolylsulphonyloxy group.

[0454] The reaction is conveniently performed in a suitable inert solvent or diluent as defined hereinbefore and at a temperature in the range, for example, 0° C. to 150° C., conveniently at or near ambient temperature.

[0455] (c) For the production of those compounds of the formula I wherein M¹ is a group of the formula

NR²—L¹—T¹R³

[0456] in which T¹ is N,

[0457] and wherein A is a direct link to the carbonyl group,

[0458] the reaction, conveniently in the presence of a suitable base as defined hereinbefore, of an amine of the formula IV with an acid of the formula

HO₂C—M²—M³—X—Q

[0459] or a reactive derivative thereof as defined hereinbefore.

[0460] The reaction is conveniently performed in a suitable inert solvent or diluent as defined hereinbefore and at a temperature in the range, for example, 0° to 150° C., conveniently at or near ambient temperature.

[0461] (d) For the production of those compounds of the formula I wherein M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0462] in which T³ is N,

[0463] and wherein M³ is a group of the formula

L³—(NR⁶)_(s)

[0464] in which L³ is carbonylmethylene,

[0465] the reaction, conveniently in the presence of a suitable base as defined hereinbefore, of an amine of the formula III with an acid of the formula

HO₂C—CH₂—(NR⁶)_(s)—X—Q

[0466] or a reactive derivative thereof as defined hereinbefore.

[0467] The reaction is conveniently performed in a suitable inert solvent or diluent as defined hereinbefore and at a temperature in the range, for example, 0° to 150° C., conveniently at or near ambient temperature.

[0468] (e) For the production of those compounds of the formula I wherein M² is a group of the formula

(T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵

[0469] in which T³ is N,

[0470] and wherein M³ is a direct link to X and X is carbonylamino,

[0471] the reaction of an amine of the formula III with an isocyanate of the formula

OCN—X—Q

[0472] The reaction is conveniently performed in a suitable inert solvent or diluent as defined hereinbefore and at a temperature in the range, for example, 0° to 60° C., conveniently at or near ambient temperature.

[0473] (f) The reaction, conveniently in the presence of a suitable base as defined hereinbefore, of a compound of the formula V wherein Z is a displaceable group as defined hereinbefore, with an amine of the formula

HNR²—L¹—T¹R³—A—CO—M²—M³—X—Q

[0474] The reaction is conveniently performed in a suitable inert solvent or diluent as defined hereinbefore and at a temperature in the range, for example, 0° to 150° C., conveniently in the range 15° to 100° C.

[0475] (g) For the production of those compounds of the formula I wherein M², M³ or Q bears a carboxy or carboxy-containing group, the hydrolysis of a compound of the formula I wherein M², M³ or Q bears a (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl group.

[0476] The hydrolysis reaction may conveniently be carried out in a conventional manner using, for example acidic or basic catalysis. A suitable acid for the acidic hydrolysis of an ester group is, for example, an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric or sulphuric acid. A suitable base for the basic hydrolysis of an ester group is, for example, an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

[0477] The reaction is conveniently performed in a suitable solvent or diluent such as an alcohol, for example methanol or ethanol, and at a temperature in the range, for example, 0° to 120° C., conveniently in the range of 15° to 60° C.

[0478] (h) For the production of those compounds of the formula I wherein M², M³ or Q bears a carbamoyl, N-alkylcarbamoyl or N,N-dialkylcarbamoyl group, the reaction of a compound of the formula I wherein M², M³ or Q bears a carboxy group, or a reactive derivative thereof as defined hereinbefore, with ammonia or an appropriate alkylamine or dialkylamine.

[0479] The reaction is conveniently performed in a suitable inert solvent or diluent as defined hereinbefore and at a temperature in the range, for example, 0° to 120° C., conveniently in the range 15° to 60° C.

[0480] (i) For the production of those compounds of the formula I wherein Q bears a hydroxy group, the dealkylation of a compound of the formula I wherein Q bears a (1-4C)alkoxy group.

[0481] A suitable dealkylating reagent is, for example, any of the many reagents known to effect such a transformation. The reaction may be carried out, for example, using an alkali metal (1-4C)alkylsulphide such as sodium ethanethiolate or, for example, using an alkali metal diarylphosphide such as lithium diphenylphosphide. Alternatively the reaction may conveniently be carried out using a boron or aluminium trihalide such as boron tribromide.

[0482] The dealkylation reaction is conveniently performed in a suitable inert solvent or diluent as defined hereinbefore and at a temperature in the range, for example, −80° to 100° C., conveniently in the range 0° to 50° C.

[0483] When a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of a compound of the formula I is required, it may be obtained, for example, by reaction of said compound with a suitable acid or base using a conventional procedure.

[0484] When an optically active form of a compound of the formula I is required, it may be obtained, for example, by carrying out one of the aforesaid procedures using an optically active starting material or by resolution of a racemic form of said compound using a conventional procedure.

[0485] As stated previously, the compounds of the formula I and of the formula Ia are inhibitors of the enzyme Factor Xa. The effects of this inhibition may be demonstrated using one or more of the standard procedures set out hereinafter:

[0486] a) Measurement of Factor Xa Inhibition

[0487] An in vitro assay system was carried out based on the method of Kettner et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1990, 265, 18289-18297, whereby various concentrations of a test compound were dissolved in a pH7.5 buffer containing 0.5% of polyethylene glycol and incubated at 37° C. with human Factor Xa (0.001 Units/ml, 0.3 ml) for 15 minutes. The chromogenic substrate S-2765 (KabiVitum AB, 20 μM) was added and the mixture was incubated at 37° C. for 20 minutes whilst the absorbance at 405 nm was measured. The maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) was determined and compared with that of a control sample containing no test compound. Inhibitor potency was expressed as an IC₅₀ value.

[0488] b) Measurement of Thrombin Inhibition

[0489] The procedure of method a) was repeated except that human thrombin (0.005 Units/ml) and the chromogenic substrate S-2238 (KabiVitum AB) were employed.

[0490] c) Measurement of Anticoagulant Activity

[0491] An in vitro assay whereby human venous blood was collected and added directly to a sodium citrate solution (3.2 g/100 ml, 9 parts blood to 1 part citrate solution). Blood plasma was prepared by contrifugation (1000 g, 15 minutes) and stored at 2-4° C. Conventional activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) tests were carried out in the presence of various concentrations of a test compound and the concentration of test compound required to double the clotting time, hereinafter referred to as CT2, was determined. In the APTT test, the test compound, blood plasma and APTT reagent were incubated at 37° C. for 3 minutes. Calcium chloride (0.02M) was added and fibrin formation and the time required for a clot to form were determined. In the PT test, an analogous procedure was followed except that tissue thromboplastin was used in place of APTT reagent.

[0492] d) An ex vivo Assay of Anticoagulant Activity

[0493] The test compound was administered intravenously or orally to a group of Alderley Park Wistar rats. At various times thereafter animals were anaesthetised, blood was collected and APTT and PT coagulation assays analogous to those described hereinbefore were conducted.

[0494] e) An in vivo Measurement of Antithrombotic Activity

[0495] Thrombus formation was induced using an analogous method to that described by Vogel et al., Thromb. Research, 1989, 54, 399-410. A group of Alderley Park Wistar rats was anaesthetised and surgery was performed to expose the vena cava. Two loose sutures were located, 0.7 cm apart, round the inferior vena cava. Test compound was administered intravenously or orally. At an appropriate time thereafter tissue thromboplastin (1 ml/kg) was administered into the jugular vein and, after 10 seconds, the two sutures were tightened to induce stasis within the ligated portion of vena cava. After 10 minutes the ligated tissue was excised and the thrombus therein was isolated, blotted and weighed.

[0496] Although the pharmacological potencies of the compounds of formulae I and Ia vary with structural changes as expected, in general compounds of the formulae I and Ia possess activity at the following concentrations or doses in at least one of the above tests a) to c):

[0497] test a): IC₅₀ (Factor Xa) in the range, for example, 0.001-25 μM;

[0498] test b): IC₅₀ (thrombin), for example, greater than 50 μM;

[0499] test c): CT² (PT) in the range, for example, 1-50 μM; CT2 (APTT) in the range, for example, 10-100 μM.

[0500] By way of example, the compound of Example 1 as disclosed hereinafter has an IC₅₀ of 0.3 μM against Factor Xa in test a), an IC₅₀ of greater than 100 μM against thrombin in test b) and a CT2 (PT) of 14 μM and CT2 (APTT) of 62 μM in test c), and shows an increased clotting time following the intravenous administration of a 10 mg/kg dose in test d) and a reduced thrombus weight following the intravenous administration of a 5 mg/kg dose in test e).

[0501] By way of further example, the compound of Example 39, Compound No. 2, as disclosed hereinafter has an IC₅₀ of 0.012 μM against Factor Xa in test a), an IC₅₀ of greater than 100 μM against thrombin in test b), a CT2 (PT) of 1 μM and CT2 (APTT) of 1.8 μM in test c), and shows an increased clotting time following the intravenous administration of a 5 mg/kg dose in test d) and a reduced thrombus weight following the intravenous administration of a 5 mg/kg dose in test d).

[0502] By way of further example, the compound of Example 41, Compound No. 3, as disclosed hereinafter has an IC₅₀ of 0.01 μM against Factor Xa in test a) and an IC₅₀ of 83 μM against thrombin in test b).

[0503] By way of further example, the compound of Example 40, Compound No. 5, as disclosed hereinafter has an IC₅₀ of 0.003 μM against Factor Xa in test a), an IC₅₀ of 34 μM against thrombin in test b), a CT2 (PT) of 0.5 μM and CT2 (APTT) of 1.2 μM in test c), and shows an increased clotting time following the intravenous administration of a 5 mg/kg dose in test d).

[0504] By way of further example, the compound of Example 62 as disclosed hereinafter has an IC₅₀ of 0.002 μM against Factor Xa in test a), an IC₅₀ of >10 μM against thrombin in test b), a CT2 (PT) of 0.7 μM in test c), and shows an increased clotting time following the intravenous administration of a 5 mg/kg dose in test d).

[0505] By way of further example, the compound of Example 63 as disclosed hereinafter has an IC₅₀ of 0.008 μM against Factor Xa in test a), an IC₅₀ of >10 μM against thrombin in test b), a CT2 (PT) of 4.6 μM in test c), and shows an increased clotting time following the intravenous administration of a 5 mg/kg dose in test d) and a reduced thrombus weight following the intravenous administration of a 5 mg/kg dose in test e).

[0506] According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition which comprises an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I or of the formula Ia, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, in association with a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.

[0507] The composition may be in a form suitable for oral use, for example a tablet, capsule, aqueous or oily solution, suspension or emulsion; for topical use, for example a cream, ointment, gel or aqueous or oily solution or suspension; for nasal use, for example a snuff, nasal spray or nasal drops; for vaginal or rectal use, for example a suppository; for administration by inhalation, for example as a finely divided powder such as a dry powder, a microcrystalline form or a liquid aerosol; for sub-lingual or buccal use, for example a tablet or capsule; or for parenteral use (including intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravascular or infusion), for example a sterile aqueous or oily solution or suspension. In general the above compositions may be prepared in a conventional manner using conventional excipients.

[0508] The amount of active ingredient (that is an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formulae I or Ia, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof) that is combined with one or more excipients to produce a single dosage form will necessarily vary depending upon the host treated and the particular route of administration. For example, a formulation intended for oral administration to humans will generally contain, for example, from 0.5 mg to 2 g of active agent compounded with an appropriate and convenient amount of excipients which may vary from about 5 to about 98 percent by weight of the total composition. Dosage unit forms will generally contain about 1 mg to about 500 mg of an active ingredient.

[0509] According to a further feature of the invention there is provided an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I or of the formula Ia, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy.

[0510] The invention also includes the use of such an active ingredient in the production of a medicament for use in:

[0511] (i) producing a Factor Xa inhibitory effect;

[0512] (ii) producing an anticoagulant effect;

[0513] (iii) producing an antithrombotic effect;

[0514] (iv) treating a Factor Xa mediated disease or medical condition;

[0515] (v) treating a thrombosis mediated disease or medical condition;

[0516] (vi) treating coagulation disorders; and/or

[0517] (vii) treating thrombosis or embolism involving Factor Xa mediated coagulation.

[0518] The invention also includes a method of producing an effect as defined hereinbefore or treating a disease or disorder as defined hereinbefore which comprises administering to a warm-blooded animal requiring such treatment an effective amount of an active ingredient as defined hereinbefore.

[0519] The size of the dose for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes of a compound of the formulae I or Ia will naturally vary according to the nature and severity of the medical condition, the age and sex of the animal or patient being treated and the route of administration, according to well known principles of medicine. As mentioned above, compounds of the formulae I or Ia are useful in the treatment or prevention of a variety of medical disorders where anticoagulant therapy is indicated. In using a compound of the formula I for such a purpose, it will generally be administered so that a daily dose in the range, for example, 0.5 to 500 mg/kg body weight is received, given if required in divided doses. In general lower doses will be administered when a parenteral route is employed, for example a dose for intravenous administration in the range, for example, 0.5 to 50 mg/kg body weight will generally be used. For preferred and especially preferred compounds of the invention, in general, lower doses will be employed, for example a daily dose in the range, for example, 0.5 to 10 mg/kg body weight.

[0520] Although the compounds of the formulae I and Ia are primarily of value as therapeutic or prophylactic agents for use in warm-blooded animals including man, they are also useful whenever it is required to produce an anticoagulant effect, for example during the ex-vivo storage of whole blood or in the development of biological tests for compounds having anticoagulant properties.

[0521] The compounds of the invention may be administered as a sole therapy or they may be administered in conjunction with other pharmacologically active agents such as a thrombolytic agent, for example tissue plasminogen activator or derivatives thereof or streptokinase. The compounds of the invention may also be administered with, for example, a known platelet aggregation inhibitor (for example aspirin, a thromboxane antagonist or a thromboxane synthase inhibitor), a known hypolipidaemic agent or a known anti-hypertensive agent.

[0522] The invention will now be illustrated in the following Examples in which, unless otherwise stated:

[0523] (i) evaporations were carried out by rotary evaporation in vacuo and work-up procedures were carried out after removal of residual solids by filtration;

[0524] (ii) operations were carried out at room temperature, that is in the range 18-25° C. and under an atmosphere of an inert gas such as argon;

[0525] (iii) column chromatography (by the flash procedure) and medium pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) were performed on Merck Kieselgel silica (Art. 9385) or Merck Lichroprep RP-18 (Art. 9303) reversed-phase silica obtained from E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany;

[0526] (iv) yields are given for illustration only and are not necessarily the maximum attainable;

[0527] (v) the end-products of the formula I have satisfactory microanalyses and their structures were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectral techniques; unless otherwise stated, CDCl₃ solutions of the end-products of the formula I were used for the determination of NMR spectral data, chemical shift values were measured on the delta scale; the following abbreviations have been used: s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet; m, multiplet;

[0528] (vi) intermediates were not generally fully characterised and purity was assessed by thin layer chromatographic, infra-red (IR) or NMR analysis;

[0529] (vii) melting points were determined using a Mettler SP62 automatic melting point apparatus or an oil-bath apparatus; melting points for the end-products of the formula I were generally determined after crystallisation from a conventional organic solvent such as ethanol, methanol, acetone, ether or hexane, alone or in admixture; and

[0530] (viii) the following abbreviations have been used: DMF N,N-dimethylformamide; THF tetrahydrofuran; DMSO dimethylsulphoxide; DMPU 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2(1H)-pyrimidinone.

EXAMPLE 1

[0531] N-[2-Amino-1-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-2-(2-naphthalene-sulphonamido)acetamide hydrochloride salt (2.6 g) and triethylamine (3.18 ml) were added in turn to a stirred solution of 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride (1.54 g) in methylene chloride (20 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 89:10:1 mixture of ethyl acetate, methanol and ammonia as eluent. The material so obtained was triturated under diethyl ether to give 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}acetamide as a foam (1.9 g, 55%);

[0532] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.37-1.76 (m, 10H), 3.15-3.5 (m, 10H), 3.6 (s, 2H), 4.1-4.2 (d, 2H), 4.9 (t, 1H), 7.1 (d, 2H), 7.6-8.2 (m, 10H), 8.4 (s, 1H);

[0533] Elemental Analysis Found C, 60.7; H, 6.5; N, 13.2; C₃₁H₃₈N₆O₅S .0.5H₂O requires C, 60.5; H, 6.3; N, 13.6%.

[0534] The N-[2-amino-1-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0535] N-Hydroxybenzotriazole (10.16 g) and N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide (14.7 g) were added in turn to a stirred solution of N²-benzyloxycarbonyl-DL-asparagine (20 g) in DMF (200 ml) which had been cooled in an ice-bath. The mixture was stirred at 0° to 5° C. for 1 hour. Piperidine (7.4 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred for 16 hours and allowed to warm to ambient temperature. The mixture was concentrated by evaporation. Water (500 ml) was added and the precipitate was isolated and dried. There was thus obtained N² benzyloxycarbonyl-DL-asparagine piperidide (12 g), m.p. 159-162° C.

[0536] After repetition of the reaction, the piperidide so obtained (17 g) was added to a stirred solution of bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene (33 g) in a mixture of DMF (100 ml) and water (100 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 20 minutes. Triethylamine (14.2 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred for 16 hours. The mixture was acidified by the addition of 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The aqueous phase was basified to pH8 by the addition of 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×60 ml). The extracts were combined, washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained 1-[3-amino-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)propionyl]piperidine as an oil (8.12 g).

[0537] Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (8.75 g) and triethylamine (7.1 ml) were added in turn to a stirred solution of the piperidine so obtained in methylene chloride (150 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and 1N aqueous citric acid solution. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 1:1 mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained 1-[2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)propionyl]-piperidine as an oil (7.98 g).

[0538] A mixture of a portion (4.2 g) of the material so obtained, 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (0.3 g) and ethanol (100 ml) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 8 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was triturated under diethyl ether to give 1-[2-amino-3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-propionyl]piperidine (2.3 g), m.p. 87-90° C.

[0539] A solution of N-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)glycine (2.93 g) in DMF (20 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of N-hydroxybenzotriazole (1.5 g), N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-i-ethylcarbodiimide (2.16 g) and DMF (80 ml) which had been cooled in an ice-bath. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour. A solution of 1-[2-amino-3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-propionyl]piperidine (2.98 g) in DMF (10 ml) was added and the mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature and stirred for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained N-[2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-1-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide (3.2 g), m.p. 95-98° C.

[0540] A portion (0.5 g) of the material so obtained was suspended in ethyl acetate (25 ml) and the mixture was cooled in an ice-bath. Hydrogen chloride gas was led into the reaction mixture for 20 minutes. A clear solution was formed followed by the deposition of a precipitate. The solid was isolated and dried. There was thus obtained N-[2-amino-1-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide hydrochloride salt (0.34 g);

[0541] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.2-1.6 (m, 6H), 2.7-3.1 (m, 2H), 3.1-3.25 (t, 2H), 3.3-3.5 (m, 2H), 3.6 (s, 2H), 4.8-5.0 (t, 1H), 6.5-8.1 (m, 7H), 8.4 (s, 1H);

[0542] Elemental Analysis Found C, 50.9; H, 6.3; N, 11.8; C₂₀H₂₆N₄O₄S HCl H₂O requires C, 50.7; H, 6.1; N, 11.8%.

[0543] The 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0544] Oxalyl chloride (0.14 ml) and DMF (2 drops) were added in turn to a stirred solution of 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid [Tetrahedron, 1988, 44, 7095; 0.21 g] in methylene chloride (20 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 4 hours. The mixture was evaporated and there was thus obtained the required starting material which was used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 2

[0545] A solution of 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride (0.55 g) in methylene chloride (10 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of 1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine trihydrochloride salt (0.85 g), triethylamine (3.1 ml) and methylene chloride (80 ml) and the resultant mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol (100:6 to 100:10) as eluent. There was thus obtained 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine as a solid (0.727 g);

[0546] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4-1.65 (m, 4H), 2.75-3.05 (m, 7H), 3.5-3.7 (m, 4H), 3.8-3.95 (m, 2H), 6.8 (d, 2H), 7.65-7.8 (m, 3H), 8.05-8.25 (m, 5H), 8.45 (d, 1H);

[0547] Elemental Analysis Found C, 63.4; H, 6.1; N, 11.5; C₂₅H₂₈N₄O₃S 0.5H₂O requires C, 63.4; H, 6.1; N, 11.8%.

[0548] The 1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0549] Thionyl chloride (1.6 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred suspension of 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (2.17 g) in methylene chloride (30 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was evaporated to give 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride which was used without further purification.

[0550] The material so obtained was suspended in methylene chloride (30 ml) and triethylamine (7.8 ml) and a solution of 1-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperazine (2.08 g) in methylene chloride (10 ml) were added in turn. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 4 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent (100:5 to 100:13). There was thus obtained 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine (2.38 g).

[0551] A saturated solution of hydrogen chloride in diethyl ether (25 ml) was added to a stirred solution of the 1-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperazine so obtained in methylene chloride (120 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was triturated under diethyl ether. There was thus obtained 1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine trihydrochloride salt (2.85 g);

[0552] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.5-1.9 (m, 4H), 3.0-3.2 (m, 7H), 3.6-3.85 (m, 4H), 4.15-4.3 (m, 2H), 7.2 (d, 2H), 8.2 (d, 2H).

EXAMPLE 3

[0553] 1,1′-Carbonyldiimidazole (0.089 g) and triethylamine (0.08 ml) were added in turn to a solution of N-[2-amino-1-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamido hydrochloride salt (0.25 g) in DMF (15 ml) which had been cooled in an ice-bath. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. 1-(4-Pyridyl)piperazine (0.089 g) was added and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonylamino]-ethyl}acetamide as a foam (0.118 g);

[0554] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.3-1.6 (m, 6H), 3.0-3.1 (m, 1H), 3.2-3.6 (m, 15H), 4.8-4.9 (m, 1H), 7.0 (d, 2H), 7.5-7.7 (m, 2H), 7.75-7.83 (m, 1H), 7.9-8.1 (m, 3H), 8.1-8.2 (d, 2H), 8.4 (s, 1H);

[0555] Elemental Analysis Found C, 58.9; H, 6.4; N, 15.3; C₃₀H₃₇N₇O₅S 0.25EtAc requires C, 59.1; H, 6.2; N, 15.6%.

EXAMPLE 4

[0556] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1 except that 2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-yl]acetyl chloride hydrochloride salt was used in place of 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride and that the product was purified by high pressure liquid chromatography using a 50:50:0.1 mixture of acetonitrile, water and trifluoroacetic acid as eluent. There was thus obtained 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-(1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-{2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-yl]acetamido}ethyl)acetamide as a foam in 18% yield;

[0557] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.0-1.7 (m, 6H), 1.7-2.1 (m, 8H), 3.0-3.4 (m, 9H), 3.5-3.6 (s, 2H), 4.1-4.2 (d, 2H), 4.8-4.9 (m, 1H), 7.05-7.2 (d, 2H), 7.6-8.2 (m, 8H), 8.4-8.5 (s, 1H);

[0558] Elemental Analysis Found C, 52.8; H, 5.4; N, 11.4; C₃₂H₄₀N₆O₅S CF₃CO₂H H₂O requires C, 53.0; H, 5.8; N, 10.9%.

[0559] The 2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-yl]acetyl chloride hydrochloride salt used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0560] Triethyl phosphonoacetate (19.8 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred suspension of sodium hydride (50% dispersion in mineral oil, 4.8 g) in dimethoxyethane (300 ml) which had been cooled in an ice-bath and the mixture was stirred at 0° to 5° C. for 1 hour. 1-Benzyl-4-piperidone (17.85 ml) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between diethyl ether and water. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 3:2 mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate. There was thus obtained 1-benzyl-4-(ethoxycarbonylmethylene)piperidine (5.52 g).

[0561] A mixture of the material so obtained, 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (1 g) and ethanol (250 ml) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 6 hours. The mixture was filtered to give ethyl 2-(piperidin-4-yl)acetate as an oil (3.31 g) which was used without further purification;

[0562] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃) 1.0-1.2 (m, 2H), 1.25 (t, 3H), 1.7 (s, 2H), 1.9 (m, 1H), 2.2 (d, 2H), 2.6 (m, 2H), 3.05 (m, 2H), 4.0 (m, 2H).

[0563] A mixture of a portion (3.25 g) of the material so obtained, 4-chloropyridine hydrochloride (2.85 g), triethylamine (5.28 ml) and xylene (100 ml) was stirred and heated to reflux for 16 hours. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 10:1 mixture of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained ethyl 2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-yl]acetate as an oil (2.15 g).

[0564] A mixture of the material so obtained, 1N aqueous hydrochloric acid (35.5 ml) and dioxan (100 ml) was stirred and heated to 95° C. for 3 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was freeze-dried to give 2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-yl]acetic acid hydrochloride salt (2.3 g), m.p. 105-108° C.

[0565] Using an analogous procedure to that described in the portion of Example 1 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials, the acetic acid was reacted with oxalyl chloride to give 2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-yl]acetyl chloride hydrochloride salt in quantitative yield.

EXAMPLE 5

[0566] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1 except that 2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetyl chloride was used in place of 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride. There was thus obtained 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-(1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-{2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetamido}ethyl)acetamide as a foam in 6% yield;

[0567] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.3-1.6 (m, 6H), 2.9-3.05 (s, 2H), 3.1-3.7 (m, 14H), 4.8-5.0 (t, 1H), 7.0-7.2 (d, 2H), 7.6-8.2 (m, 9H), 8.4 (s, 1H);

[0568] Elemental Analysis Found C, 57.4; H, 6.2; N, 14.5; C₃₁H₃₉N₇O₅S 1.5H₂O requires C, 57.4; H, 6.5; N, 15.1%.

[0569] The 2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetyl chloride used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0570] Sodium hydride (50% dispersion in mineral oil, 1.9 g) was added portionwise to a stirred mixture of 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine (3 g) and DMF (20 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. Tert-butyl bromoacetate (6.5 ml) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred for 18 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 17:3 mixture of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained tert-butyl 2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetate as a solid (2.85 g).

[0571] A mixture of the material so obtained and trifluoroacetic acid (7 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated to give 2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetic acid in quantitative yield;

[0572] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 3.35-3.5 (m, 4H), 3.9-4.05 (m, 4H), 4.1 (s, 2H), 7.25 (d, 2H), 8.35 (d, 2H).

[0573] A mixture of the material so obtained (2.27 g), oxalyl chloride (1.5 ml), DMF (3 drops) and methylene chloride (20 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 4 hours. The mixture was evaporated to give 2-[-4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetyl chloride which was used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 6

[0574] Triethylamine (0.77 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of ethyl 2-amino-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]propionate dihydrochloride salt (1 g), succinimido 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-acetate (0.92 g) and methylene chloride (50 ml) which had been cooled in an ice-bath. The mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature and was stirred for 4 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 4:1 mixture of ethyl acetate and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained N-{1-ethoxycarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-acetamide as a foam (0.203 g);

[0575] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.1-1.2 (t, 3H), 1.4-1.8 (m, 4H), 2.2-2.4 (m, 1H), 2.7-3.0 (t, 2H), 3.5 (s, 2H), 3.8-4.1 (m, 4H), 4.2-4.4 (t, 1H), 6.7-6.8 (d, 2H), 7.6-8.3 (m, 11H), 8.4 (s, 1H);

[0576] Elemental Analysis Found C, 55.7; H, 6.0; N, 11.1; C₂₈H₃₃N₅O₆S 2H₂O requires C, 55.5; H, 6.1; N, 11.6%.

[0577] The ethyl 2-amino-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]propionate dihydrochloride salt used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0578] N²-Benzyloxycarbonyl-DL-asparagine (25 g) was added to a stirred solution of bis(trifluroacetoxy)iodobenzene (60.6 g) in a mixture of DMF (350 ml) and water (350 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 15 minutes. Pyridine (15 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred for 16 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between water and diethyl ether. The aqueous layer was evaporated to give an oil mixed with a solid. The solid was isolated, washed with diethyl ether and dried. There was thus obtained 3-amino-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)propionic acid (6.3 g).

[0579] A portion (3 g) of the material so obtained was added to a stirred mixture of thionyl chloride (1.01 ml) and ethanol (100 ml) which had been cooled to −10° C. The mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature and was stirred for 16 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was triturated under diethyl ether. There was thus obtained ethyl 3-amino-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)propionate hydrochloride salt (3.45 g);

[0580] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.1-1.25 (t, 3H), 3.0-3.2 (m, 2H), 4.05-4.2 (q, 2H), 4.3-4.5 (m, 1H), 5.1 (s, 2H), 7.3 (m, 5H), 7.8-7.9 (d, 1H), 8.3 (s, 2H).

[0581] Triethylamine (0.7 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of ethyl 3-amino-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)propionate hydrochloride salt (0.5 g), 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride (0.45 g) and methylene chloride (20 ml) and the resultant mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of ethyl acetate and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained ethyl 2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl-amino]propionate (0.5 g).

[0582] After repetition of the previous step, a mixture of the material so obtained (2 g), 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (0.2 g), 1N aqueous hydrochloric acid (8.8 ml) and ethanol (50 ml) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 6 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. There was thus obtained ethyl 2-amino-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]propionate dihydrochloride salt (2.48 g);

[0583] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.2-1.3 (t, 3H), 1.5-1.7 (m, 2H), 1.8-2.0 (m, 2H), 2.6-2.7 (m, 1H), 3.2-3.4 (t, 2H), 4.0-4.3 (m, 6H), 7.15-7.82 (d, 2H), 8.1-8.2 (d, 2H), 8.5-8.65 (t, 1H).

[0584] The succinimido 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetate used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0585] A solution of N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (4.12 g) in ethyl acetate (50 ml) was cooled to 0° C. and added to a stirred mixture of N-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)glycine (5.3 g), N-hydroxysuccinimide (2.3 g) and ethyl acetate which had been cooled to 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour, allowed to warm to ambient temperature and stirred for 16 hours. The mixture was recooled to 0° C. for 1 hour and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated and the residue was recrystallised from a mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate. There was thus obtained the required starting material (6.2 g);

[0586] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 2.8 (m, 4H), 4.25 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.8-7.9 (m, 1H), 8.0-8.2 (m, 3H), 8.45 (s, 1H), 8.6 (t, 1H).

EXAMPLE 7

[0587] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride was reacted with ethyl 2-amino-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]propionate dihydrochloride salt to give ethyl 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]propionate as a foam in 37% yield;

[0588] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.1-1.2 (t, 3H), 1.3-1.7 (m, 4H), 2.1-2.3 (m, 1H), 2.7-2.9 (m, 2H), 3.1-3.9 (m, 6H), 3.9-4.1 (t, 1H), 6.7-6.8 (d, 2H), 7.6-8.2 (m, 11H), 8.35 (s, 1H);

[0589] Elemental Analysis Found C, 59.8; H, 6.4; N, 10.3; C₂₆H₃₀N₄O₅S 0.75H₂O requires C, 59.6; H, 6.0; N, 10.7%.

EXAMPLE 8

[0590] A mixture of N-{1-ethoxycarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide (0.1 g), methylamine (33% solution in ethanol, 0.2 ml) and ethanol (5 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The precipitate was isolated and purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of ethyl acetate and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained N-methyl-2-[²-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamido]-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]propionamide (0.01 g);

[0591] Elemental Analysis Found C, 57.6; H, 6.1; N, 13.9; C₂₇H₃₂N₆O₅ 0.5H₂O 0.5EtOH requires C, 57.5; H, 6.1; N, 14.3%.

EXAMPLE 9

[0592] A mixture of N-{1-ethoxycarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide (0.15 g), 0.1N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (5.3 ml) and methanol (3 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The basic solution was neutralised by the addition of 0.1N aqueous hydrochloric acid (5.3 ml) and evaporated. The residue was triturated under diethyl ether. There was thus obtained 2-[2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamido]-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]propionic acid (0.123 g);

[0593] NMR spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4-1.65 (m, 2H), 1.6-1.75 (m, 2H), 2.3-2.5 (m, 1H), 2.8-3.0 (t, 2H), 3.25-3.4 (m, 2H), 3.85-3.95 (d; 2H), 4.0-4.15 (m, 1H), 6.7-6.9 (s, 2H), 7.6-8.4 (m, 10H), 8.4 (s, 1H);

[0594] Elemental Analysis Found C, 46.7; H, 4.5; N, 10.3; C₂₆H₂₉N₅O₆S 2NaCl H₂O requires C, 46.3; H, 4.6; N, 10.4%.

EXAMPLE 10

[0595] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 1-[3-amino-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)propionyl]piperidine hydrochloride salt to give N-[2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-2-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidine-4-carboxamide in 17% yield;

[0596] Elemental Analysis Found C, 61.4; H, 6.8; N, 12.1; C₂₉H₃₅N₅O₄S H₂O requires C, 61.3; H, 6.5; N, 12.3%.

[0597] The 1-[3-amino-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)propionyl]piperidine hydrochloride salt used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0598] Triethylamine (3.1 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride (1.67 g), 1-[2-amino-3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)propionyl]piperidine (2 g) and DMF (25 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of hexane and ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained 1-[3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-propionyl]piperidine as a solid (2.6 g).

[0599] The compound so obtained was suspended in ethyl acetate and the mixture was cooled in an ice-bath. Hydrogen chloride gas was led into the mixture for 1 hour. A clear solution was formed followed by the deposition of a precipitate which was isolated. There was thus obtained 1-[3-amino-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)propionyl]piperidine hydrochloride salt as a foam (2 g) which was used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 11

[0600] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with N-[2-amino-2-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-acetamide to give 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{2-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}acetamide in 41% yield, m.p. 200-202° C.;

[0601] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.1-1.8 (m, 9H), 3.0-3.6 (m, 12H), 4.0-4.2 (m, 2H), 4.8-5.0 (t, 1H), 7.0-7.2 (s, 2H), 7.6-7.8 (m, 2H), 7.8-7.9 (m, 1H), 8.0-8.3 (m, 5H), 8.4-8.5 (s, 1H);

[0602] Elemental Analysis Found C, 61.1; H, 6.4; N, 13.7; C₃₁H₃₈N₆O₅S requires C, 61.4; H, 6.3; N, 13.9%.

[0603] The N-[2-amino-2-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0604] A mixture of 1-[3-amino-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)propionyl]-piperidine (2 g), succinimido 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetate (2.4 g) and ethyl acetate (25 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 12 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained N-[2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-2-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide as a foam (1.83 g).

[0605] A mixture of the material so obtained, 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (0.3 g) and ethanol (40 ml) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 8 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 1:1 mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained N-[2-amino-2-(piperidinocarbonyl)-ethyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide (0.52 g) which was used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 12

[0606] The procedure described in Example 2 was repeated except that 1-naphthylsulphonyl chloride was used in place of 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride. There was thus obtained 1-(1-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 52% yield;

[0607] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4-1.7 (m, 4H), 2.75-2.95 (m, 3H), 3.0-3.2 (m, 4H), 3.45-3.65 (m, 4H), 3.8-3.95 (m, 2H), 6.75 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.8 (m, 3H), 8.0-8.2 (m, 4H), 8.35 (d, 1H), 8.7 (d, 1H);

[0608] Elemental Analysis Found C, 62.2; H, 6.1; N, 11.3; C₂₅H₂₈N₄O₃S H₂O requires 62.2; H, 6.2; N, 11.6%.

EXAMPLE 13

[0609] N-Methylmorpholine (0.095 g) and isobutyl chloroformate (0.13 g) were added in turn to a stirred suspension of 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (0.3 g) in THF (6 ml) which had been cooled to −10° C. The mixture was stirred at −10° C. for 30 minutes. A solution of 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine (0.155 g) in DMF (3 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography using a 22:3 mixture of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 1-[1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-4-(4-pyridyl)-piperazine as a solid (0.07 g);

[0610] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.5-1.75 (m, 4H), 2.3-2.45 (m, 2H), 2.5-2.65 (m, 1H), 3.5-3.75 (m, 10H), 7.05 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.75 (m, 3H), 8.0-8.2 (m, 5H), 8.35 (d, 1H).

[0611] The 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0612] A solution of ethyl piperidine-4-carboxylate (1.02 ml) in methylene chloride (5 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride (1.5 g), triethylamine (4 ml) and methylene chloride (10 ml) which had been cooled to 5° C. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid and water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained ethyl 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidine-4-carboxylate (1.95 g).

[0613] A mixture of the material so obtained, potassium hydroxide (0.62 g) and ethanol (18 ml) was stirred and heated to reflux for 4 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (1.35 g);

[0614] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.5-1.7 (m, 2H), 1.8-1.95 (m, 2H), 2.2-2.3 (m, 1H), 2.45-2.55 (m, 2H), 3.5-3.6 (m, 2H), 7.65-7.8 (m, 3H), 8.05-8.25 (m, 3H), 8.45 (d, 1H).

EXAMPLE 14

[0615] N,N′-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.5 g) was added to a stirred mixture of N-(2-amino-3-phenylpropyl)-1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide (1.08 g), N-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)glycine (0.85 g) N-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.34 g), N-methylmorpholine (0.71 ml) and DMF (20 ml) which had been cooled to 5° C. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol (20:1 to 20:3) as eluent. There was thus obtained 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{1-phenyl-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]prop-2-yl}acetamide as a solid (0.52 g);

[0616] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.5-1.7 (m, 2H), 1.75-1.9 (m, 2H), 2.4-2.65 (m, 4H), 2.9-3.4 (m, 6H), 3.85-4.0 (m, 1H), 4.0-4.15 (m, 2H), 7.0-7.2 (m, 6H), 7.55-7.65 (m, 3H), 7.75 (m, 1H), 7.9-8.1 (m, 5H), 8.35 (d, 1H).

[0617] The N-(2-amino-3-phenylpropyl)-1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0618] Using an analogous procedure to that described in J. Chem. Res. (S), 1992, 391, N²-tert-butoxycarbonyl-DL-phenylalanine was converted in four steps into 1-amino-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-3-phenylpropane.

[0619] Using an analogous procedure to that described in the second paragraph of the portion of Example 2 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 1-amino-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-3-phenylpropane to give N-[2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-3-phenylpropyl]-1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide in 39% yield.

[0620] A mixture of the material so obtained (0.95 g) and trifluoroacetic acid (2 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was triturated under diethyl ether. There was thus obtained N-(2-amino-3-phenylpropyl)-1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide (0.9 g) which was used without further purification;

[0621] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.5-1.7 (m, 2H), 1.85-2.0 (m, 2H), 2.75-3.0 (m, 2H), 3.1-3.5 (m, 6H), 4.15-4.3 (m, 2H), 7.15-7.4 (m, 7H), 8.2-8.3 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 15

[0622] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2 except that DMF was used in place of methylene chloride as the reaction solvent, 1-{2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetyl}piperazine was reacted with 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride to give 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-{2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetyl}-piperazine in 22% yield;

[0623] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 2.4-2.5 (m, 4H), 2.9-3.05 (m, 4H), 3.15 (s, 2H), 3.3-3.45 (m, 4H), 3.45-3.65 (m, 4H), 6.95 (d, 2H), 7.5-7.75 (m, 3H), 7.95-8.2 (m, 5H), 8.4 (s, 1H);

[0624] Elemental Analysis Found C, 62.1; H, 6.1; N, 14.4; C₂₅H₂₉N₅O₃S requires C, 62.6; H, 6.1; N, 14.6%.

[0625] The 1-{2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetyl}piperazine used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0626] N,N′-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.84 g) was added to a stirred mixture of 2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetic acid (1 g), 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazine (0.67 g), N-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.382 g), N-methylmorpholine (0.79 ml) and DMF (30 ml) which had been cooled to 5° C. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography using a 17:3 mixture of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-{2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetyl}piperazine as a foam (0.87 g).

[0627] A mixture of a portion (0.75 g) of the material so obtained, trifluoroacetic acid (2 ml) and methylene chloride (5 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 4 hours. The mixture was evaporated to give 1-{2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetyl}piperazine in quantitative yield;

[0628] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 3.05-3.25 (m, 4H), 3.55-3.7 (m, 2H), 3.7-3.8 (m, 2H), 3.9-4.1 (m, 4H), 4.3 (s, 2H), 7.3 (d, 2H), 8.4 (d, 2H), 9.35 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 16

[0629] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with N-[3-amino-1-(piperidinocarbonyl)propyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-acetamide hydrochloride salt to give 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]-propyl}acetamide in 17% yield;

[0630] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.3-1.8 (m, 12H), 2.3-2.5 (m, 1H), 2.7-3.1 (m, 4H), 3.2-3.45 (m, 4H), 3.5-3.6 (m, 2H), 3.8-4.0 (m, 2H), 4.6-4.7 (m, 1H), 6.7-6.85 (m, 2H), 7.6-7.8 (m, 3H), 7.8-7.9 (m, 1H), 8.0-8.35 (m, 7H), 8.4 (s, 1H);

[0631] Elemental Analysis Found C, 59.6; H, 6.6; N, 13.0; C₃₂H₄₀N₆O₅S 1.25H₂O requires C, 59.8; H, 6.6; N, 13.1%.

[0632] The N-[3-amino-1-(piperidinocarbonyl)propyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide hydrochloride salt used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0633] 1,1′-Carbonyldiimidazole (3.95 g) was added to a stirred solution of N²-benzyloxycarbonyl-DL-glutamine (8.47 g) in DMF (60 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled to 5° C. and piperidine (4.82 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 1 hour. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 9:1 mixture of ethyl acetate and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained N²-benzyloxycarbonyl-DL-glutamine piperidide (4.78 g), m.p. 136-138° C.

[0634] Using analogous procedures to those described in the second, third and fourth paragraphs of the portion of Example 1 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials, the DL-glutamine piperidide was converted into 1-[2-amino-4-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-butyryl]piperidine in 14% yield.

[0635] 1,1′-Carbonyldiimidazole (0.31 g) was added to a stirred solution of N-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)glycine (0.446 g) in DMF (5 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. The mixture was cooled to 5° C. and 1-[2-amino-4-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-butyryl]piperidine (0.546 g) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 6 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 1M aqueous citric acid solution. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 1:1 mixture of methylene chloride and ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained N-[3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-1-(piperidinocarbonyl)propyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide as a solid (0.607 g).

[0636] The material so obtained was suspended in ethyl acetate (50 ml) and the mixture was cooled in an ice-bath. Hydrogen chloride gas was led into the mixture for 5 minutes. A clear solution was obtained followed by the deposition of a precipitate. The mixture was evaporated to give N-[3-amino-1-(piperidinocarbonyl)propyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide hydrochloride salt (0.528 g) which was used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 17

[0637] N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride salt (0.575 g) was added to a stirred mixture of (3S)-3-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-3-(piperidinocarbonyl)propionic acid (1.17 g), N-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.405 g), triethylamine (0.417 ml) and DMF (10 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. 1-(4-Pyridyl)piperazine (0.489 g) was added and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 1-[(3S)-3-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-3-(piperidinocarbonyl)-propionyl]-4-(4-pyridyl)piperazine as a solid (0.407 g);

[0638] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃) 0.8-1.1 (m, 2H), 1.2-1.5 (m, 4H), 2.5-2.8 (m, 2H), 3.0-3.2 (m, 1H), 3.2-3.45 (m, 7H), 3.5-3.7 (m, 3H), 3.75-3.9 (m, 1H), 4.6-4.7 (m, 1H), 6.2-6.4 (m, 1H), 6.6-6.65 (m, 2H), 7.5-8.0 (m, 6H), 8.3-8.4 (m, 2H), 8.43 (m, 1H);

[0639] Elemental Analysis Found C, 60.0; H, 6.0; N, 12.3; C₂₈H₃₃N₅O₄S 0.3CH₂Cl₂ requires C, 60.4; H, 6.0; N, 12.4%.

[0640] The (3S)-3-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-3-(piperidino-carbonyl)propionic acid used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0641] N²- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-aspartic acid O⁴-benzyl ester (16.2 g) was added portionwise to a stirred mixture of 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (8.1 g) in DMF (100 ml). The resultant mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. The mixture was cooled in an ice-bath and piperidine (6 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred and allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 3 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained N² (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-aspartic 1-piperidide O⁴-benzyl ester (17.9 g).

[0642] A portion (4.5 g) of the material so obtained was dissolved in ethyl acetate (75 ml) and the solution was cooled in an ice-bath. Hydrogen chloride gas was led into the solution for 20 minutes. The mixture was evaporated to give L-aspartic 1-piperidide O⁴-benzyl ester hydrochloride salt (3.6 g);

[0643] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃) 1.3-1.8 (m, 6H), 3.05-3.3 (m, 2H), 3.4-3.6 (m, 4H), 4.9-5.0 (m, 1H), 5.15 (s, 2H), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H), 8.5-8.8 (m, 3H).

[0644] A portion (2.63 g) of the material so obtained was reacted with 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride (2 g) using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2. There was thus obtained benzyl (3S)-3-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-3-(piperidinocarbonyl)propionate as an oil (2.96 g, 82%).

[0645] A mixture of the material so obtained, 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (0.2 g) and ethanol (25 ml) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 6 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. There was thus obtained (3S)-3-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-3-(piperidinocarbonyl)propionic acid as a foam (2.2 g, 86%);

[0646] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃) 0.8-1.1 (m, 1H), 1.1-1.5 (m, 5H), 2.4-2.7 (m, 2H), 3.0-3.4 (m, 4H), 4.7 (t, 1H), 5.3-5.7 (m, 2H), 7.5-7.7 (m, 2H), 7.75-8.0 (m, 4H), 8.45 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 18

[0647] 1,1′-Carbonyldiimidazole (0.307 g) was added to a solution of (3S)-3-[2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamido]-3-(piperidinocarbonyl)-propionic acid (0.85 g) in DMF (10 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. 1-(4-Pyridyl)piperazine (0.309 g) was added and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. The material so obtained was recrystallised from acetonitrile. There was thus obtained 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{(1S)-1-(piperidinocarbonyl)-2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]ethyl}-acetamide (0.201 g, 17%), m.p. 201-203° C.;

[0648] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.2-1.6 (m, 6H), 2.1-2.3 (m, 1H), 2.7-2.9 (m, 1H), 3.1-4.8 (m, 14H), 4.9-5.0 (m, 1H), 7.0 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.8-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.9-8.15 (m, 3H), 8.2-8.3 (m, 2H), 8.4 (s, 1H);

[0649] Elemental Analysis Found C, 59.9; H, 6.2; N, 14.1; C₃₀H₃₆N₆O₅S 0.5H₂O requires C, 59.9; H, 6.2; N, 14.0%.

[0650] The (3S)-3-[2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamido]-3-(piperidinocarbonyl)propionic acid used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0651] 1,1′-Carbonyldiimidazole (0.81 g) was added to a stirred mixture of N-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)glycine (1.33 g) and DMF (10 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. L-Aspartic 1-piperidide O⁴-benzyl ester hydrochloride salt (1.63 g) and triethylamine (0.87 ml) was added in turn and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 3:2 mixture of methylene chloride and ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained benzyl (3S)-3-[2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamido]-3-(piperidinocarbonyl)-propionate as a foam (1.59 g).

[0652] A mixture of a portion (1.44 g) of the material so obtained, 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (0.2 g) and ethanol (30 ml) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 6 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained (3S)-3-[2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamido]-3-(piperidino-carbonyl)propionic acid as an oil (0.858 g);

[0653] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃) 1.4-1.7 (m, 6H), 2.4-2.8 (m, 2H), 3.4-3.6 (m, 4H), 3.6-3.8 (m, 2H), 5.1-5.35 (m, 1H), 6.5-6.6 (m, 2H), 7.5-7.7 (m, 2H), 7.8-8.0 (m, 5H), 8.4 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 19

[0654] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 1-[3-amino-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)propionyl]piperidine to give N-[2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-2-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide in 44% yield;

[0655] NMR Spectrum 1.5-2.0 (m, 10H), 2.2-2.4 (m, 1H), 2.8-3.0 (m, 2H), 3.2-3.35 (m, 1H), 3.4-3.7 (m, 5H), 3.8-3.95 (m, 2H), 4.7-4.8 (m, 1H), 5.2 (s, 2H), 6.0-6.2 (m, 1H), 6.2-6.4 (m, 1H), 6.6-6.7 (m, 2H), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H), 8.2-8.3 (m, 2H);

[0656] Elemental Analysis Found C, 63.1; H, 7.4; N, 13.3; C₂₇H₃₄N₅O₄ H₂O requires C, 63.4; H, 7.2; N, 13.7%.

EXAMPLE 20

[0657] A mixture of 3-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)propionic acid [prepared by the reaction of 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride and 3-aminopropionic acid; 0.163 g], N-hydroxysuccinimide (0.067 g), N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide (0.112 g) and DMF (10 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. A solution of N-[2-amino-2-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide (0.21 g) in DMF (2 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of ethyl acetate and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 3-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{1-(piperidinocarbonyl)-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}propionamide (0.14 g.), m.p. 201-203° C.;

[0658] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.2-1.6 (m, 10H), 2.1-2.3 (m, 3H), 2.6-2.8 (m, 2H), 2.9 (t, 2H), 3.0-3.1 (m, 1H), 3.3-3.5 (m, 3H), 3.7-3.9 (m, 2H), 4.7-4.8 (m, 1H), 6.6-6.7 (m, 2H), 7.5-7.7 (m, 3H), 7.7-7.8 (m, 2H), 7.9-8.2 (m, 6H), 8.35 (m, 1H);

[0659] Elemental Analysis Found C, 61.2; H, 6.4; N, 12.8; C₃₂H₄₀N₆O₅S 0.5EtAc requires C, 61.4; H, 6.6; N, 12.7%.

[0660] The N-[2-amino-2-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidine-4-carboxamide used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0661] A mixture of N-[2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-2-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide (1.37 g), 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (0.2 g) and ethanol was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 1 hour. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. There was thus obtained the required starting material in 91% yield.

EXAMPLE 21

[0662] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, N-[2-amino-2-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide was reacted with naphthalene-2-carbonyl chloride to give N-{1-(piperidinocarbonyl)-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]-ethyl}naphthalene-2-carboxamide in 85% yield;

[0663] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃) 1.5-2.1 (m, 10H), 2.3-2.4 (m, 1H), 2.8-3.0 (m, 2H), 3.4-4.0 (m, 8H), 5.15-5.25 (m, 1H), 6.6 (m, 1H), 6.85 (m, 1H), 7.5-7.7 (m, 2H), 7.8-8.0 (m, 5H), 8.2 (d, 2H), 8.35 (s, 1H);

[0664] Elemental Analysis Found C, 67.6; H, 7.0; N, 13.0; C₃₀H₃₅N₅O₃ H₂O requires C, 67.8; H, 7.0; N, 13.1%.

EXAMPLE 22

[0665] A solution of 4-tolyl isocyanate (0.133 g) in methylene chloride (5 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of N-[2-amino-2-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]-1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide (0.359 g) in methylene chloride (10 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The precipitate was isolated and purified by column chromatography using a 9:1 mixture of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained N-{2-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[3-(4-tolyl)ureido]ethyl}-1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidine-4-carboxamide (0.13 g), m.p. 252-253° C.;

[0666] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4-1.8 (m, 10H), 2.2 (s, 3H), 2.25 (m, 1H), 2.7-2.9 (m, 2H), 3.05-3.25 (m, 2H), 3.35-3.5 (m, 2H), 3.5-3.6 (m, 2H), 3.75-4.0 (m, 2H), 4.8-5.0 (m, 1H), 6.3 (d, 1H), 6.7 (m, 2H), 7.0 (d, 2H), 7.25 (d, 2H), 7.95 (m, 1H), 8.05-8.15 (m, 1H), 8.7 (s, 1H);

[0667] Elemental Analysis Found C, 65.8; H, 7.4; N, 16.9; C₂₇H₃₆N₆O₃ requires C, 65.8; H, 7.4; N, 17.1%.

EXAMPLE 23

[0668] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 2-amino-N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}acetamide hydrochloride salt was reacted with 4-toluenesulphonyl chloride to give N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}-2-(4-toluenesulphonamido)aceta mide in 50% yield as a foam;

[0669] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.3-1.8 (m, 10H), 2.2-2.4 (m, 4H), 2.7-2.9 (m, 2H), 3.0-3.2 (m, 1H), 3.3-3.6 (m, 12H), 3.8-4.0 (m, 2H), 4.8-4.95 (m, 1H), 6.7-6.8 (m, 2H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.7 (m, 2H), 8.05-8.2 (m, 2H), 8.25 (d, 2H).

[0670] The 2-amino-N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}acetamide hydrochloride salt used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0671] 2-(tert-Butoxycarbonylamino)acetic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester [obtained by the reaction of that acid and 1-hydroxysuccinimide in the presence of dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide, 0.272 g] was added to a stirred solution of N-[2-amino-2-(piperidinocarbonyl)ethyl]1-1(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide (0.359 g) in methylene chloride (5 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The material so obtained was suspended in methylene chloride (25 ml) and hydrogen chloride gas was led into the solution for 5 minutes. A clear solution was obtained followed by the deposition of a precipitate. The mixture was evaporated to give the required starting material.

EXAMPLE 24

[0672] 1,1-Carbonyldiimidazole (0.11 g) was added to a stirred solution of 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetic acid (0.182 g) in DMF (2 ml) which had been cooled to 5° C. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 30 minutes. A solution of 1-[4-amino-4-(piperidinocarbonyl)butyryl]-4-(4-pyridyl)piperazine (0.247 g) in DMF (3 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 95:5:0.5 mixture of ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous ammonium hydroxide as eluent. There was thus obtained 2-(2-naphthaleneulphonamido)-N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-3-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]propyl}acetamide (0.14 g);

[0673] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4-1.7 (m, 7H), 1.8-1.95 (m, 1H), 2.1-2.4 (m, 2H), 3.2-3.6 (m, 14H), 4.65-5.75 (m, 1H), 6.8 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.8-7.9 (m, 1H), 7.9-8.2 (m, 7H), 8.45 (s, 1H).

[0674] The 1-[4-amino-4-(piperidinocarbonyl)butyryl]-4-(4-pyridyl)-piperazine used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0675] A solution of piperidine (0.85 g) in methylene chloride (5 ml) was added dropwise to a solution of N²-benzyloxycarbonyl-DL-glutamic anhydride [J. Chem. Soc., 1950, 1954; 2.63 g] in methylene chloride (20 ml) which had been cooled to 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was acidified by the addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid, washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of ethyl acetate, acetic acid and methanol as eluent (99:1:0 to 99:1:5). There was thus obtained N² -benzyloxycarbonyl-DL-glutamic C¹-piperidide (0.78 g), m.p. 92-93° C.

[0676] A portion (0.7 g) of the material so obtained was dissolved in DMF (10 ml) and cooled in an ice-bath. 1,1′-Carbonyldiimidazole (0.325 g) was added and the mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 30 minutes. A solution of 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine (0.327 g) in DMF (2 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained 1-[4-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-4-(piperidinocarbonyl)-butyryl]-4-(4-pyridyl)piperazine (0.55 g).

[0677] A portion (0.4 g) of the material so obtained, 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (0.1 g) and ethanol (20 ml) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 6 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. There was thus obtained 1-[4-amino-4-(piperidinocarbonyl)butyryl]-4-(4-pyridyl)piperazine (0.26 g);

[0678] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃+CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4-1.7 (m, 6H), 1.9-2.1 (m, 1H), 2.3-2.6 (m, 2H), 2.7-2.8 (m, 1H), 3.2-3.8 (m, 12H), 6.65 (d, 2H), 8.3 (d, 2H).

EXAMPLE 25

[0679] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetyl chloride was reacted with N-(3-aminopropyl)naphthalene-2-sulphonamide to give N-[3-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)propyl]-2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetamide in 34% yield;

[0680] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.5-1.7 (m, 2H), 2.75-2.9 (t, 2H), 2.9-3.0 (s, 2H), 3.1-3.25 (t, 2H), 3.4-3.6 (m, 8H), 7.6-7.9 (m, 6H), 8.0-8.2 (m, 4H), 8.4 (s, 1H), 8.7-8.8 (d, 2H);

[0681] Elemental Analysis Found C, 61.6; H, 6.25; N, 15.0; C₂₄H₂₉N₅O₃S requires C, 61.2; H, 6.2; N, 14.8%.

[0682] The N-(3-aminopropyl)naphthalene-2-sulphonamide used as a starting material was obtained by the reaction of 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride (2 g) and 1,3-diaminopropane (2.95 ml) in methylene chloride (25 ml) solution at ambient temperature for 16 hours.

EXAMPLE 26

[0683] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with N-(piperidin-4-yl)naphthalene-2-sulphonamide hydrochloride salt to give 4-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperidine in 28% yield;

[0684] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.1-1.4 (m, 2H), 1.5-1.8 (m, 6H), 2.6-2.8 (m, 1H), 2.85-3.3 (m, 6H), 3.7-3.9 (m, 1H), 4.0-4.2 (m, 4H), 6.9-7.1 (d, 2H), 7.5-7.7 (m, 2H), 7.8-8.1 (m, 6H), 8.4 (s, 1H);

[0685] Elemental Analysis Found C, 62.7; H, 6.5; N, 11.0; C₂₆H₃₀N₄O₃S 0.5H₂O requires C, 64.1; H, 6.3; N, 11.4%.

[0686] The N-(piperidin-4-yl)naphthalene-2-sulphonamide hydrochloride salt used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0687] A mixture of 4-amino-1-benzylpiperidine (1.8 ml), 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride (2 g), triethylamine (3.7 ml) and methylene chloride (25 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of ethyl acetate and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained N-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)naphthalene-2-sulphonamide (2.98 g).

[0688] A mixture of a portion (0.5 g) of the material so obtained and methylene chloride (20 ml) was cooled in an ice-bath and 1-chloroethyl chloroformate (0.2 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred overnight at ambient temperature. The mixture was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in methanol (5 ml) and the solution was heated to reflux for 3 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of ethyl acetate and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained N-(piperidin-4-yl)naphthalene-2-sulphonamide hydrochloride salt (0.2 g);

[0689] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.5-1.8 (m, 4H), 2.75-2.9 (m, 2H), 3.05-3.2 (m, 2H), 3.25-3.4 (m, 1H), 7.6-7.7 (m, 2H), 7.8-7.9 (m, 1H), 7.9-8.15 (m, 3H), 8.4 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 27

[0690] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 3-amino-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]pyrrolidine hydrochloride salt was reacted with 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride to give 3-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]pyrrolidine in 37% yield;

[0691] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.5-2.0 (m, 6H), 2.75-2.9 (m, 1H), 3.1-4.0 (m, 7H), 4.0-4.3 (m, 2H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 2H), 7.6-7.7 (m, 2H), 7.9-8.0 (m, 1H), 8.0-8.2 (m, 5H), 8.5 (d, 1H);

[0692] Elemental Analysis Found C, 56.8; H, 5.5; N, 10.3; C₂₅H₂₈N₄SO₃ 2H₂O 0.5CH₂Cl₂ requires C, 56.4; H, 6.1; N, 10.3%.

[0693] The 3-amino-1-[-1(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-pyrrolidine hydrochloride salt used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0694] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)pyrrolidine to give 3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]pyrrolidine in 41% yield.

[0695] The material so obtained was treated with hydrogen chloride gas using an analogous procedure to that disclosed in the last paragraph of the portion of Example 1 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials. There was thus obtained 3-amino-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]pyrrolidine hydrochloride salt in quantitative yield;

[0696] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.5-1.8 (m, 2H), 1.75-2.4 (m, 4H), 2.8-3.0 (m, 1H), 3.25-4.0 (m, 7H), 4.2-4.4 (d, 2H), 7.7 (d, 2H), 8.1-8.3 (d, 2H), 8.5-8.7 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 28

[0697] The procedure described in Example 2 was repeated except that 8-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl chloride was used in place of 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride. There was thus obtained 1-(8-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 74% yield;

[0698] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.35-1.7 (m, 4H), 2.85-3.15 (m, 7H), 3.5-3.7 (m, 4H), 3.95-4.1 (m, 2H), 7.0 (d, 2H), 7.75 (t, 1H), 7.85-7.95 (m, 2H), 8.1-8.2 (m, 3H), 8.3 (d, 1H), 8.55 (s, 1H);

[0699] Elemental Analysis Found C, 59.4; H, 5.5; N, 10.9; C₂₅H₂₇ClN₄O₃S 0.5H₂O requires C, 59.1; H, 5.5; N, 11.0%.

EXAMPLE 29

[0700] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride was reacted with 3-ethoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine to give 2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 31% yield;

[0701] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.05 (t, 3H), 1.5-1.8 (m, 4H), 2.9-3.25 (m, 5H), 3.35-3.5 (m, 2H), 3.7-4.15 (m, 7H), 5.5-5.7 (m, 2H), 6.75-6.95 (m, 2H), 7.6-7.85 (m, 3H), 8.0-8.15 (m, 5H), 8.45 (d, 1H);

[0702] Elemental Analysis Found C, 60.4; H, 6.1; N, 10.1; C₂₈H₃₂N₄O₅S H₂O requires C, 60.6; H, 6.1; N, 10.1%.

[0703] The 3-ethoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0704] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with ethyl 1-benzylpiperazine-2-carboxylate (Helv. Chim. Acta, 1962, 45, 2383) to give 1-benzyl-2-ethoxycarbonyl-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine in 67% yield.

[0705] A mixture of the material so obtained (0.667 g), trifluoroacetic acid (2 ml), 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (0.15 g) and methanol (20 ml) was stirred under 7 atmospheres pressure of hydrogen for 48 hours. The mixture was filtered and evaporated. The residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was triturated under diethyl ether to give the required starting material in quantitative yield;

[0706] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.2-1.4 (m, 3H), 1.8-2.0 (m, 4H), 2.7-3.55 (m, 8H), 3.6-3.85 (m, 2H), 3.9-4.05 (m, 2H), 4.15-4.3 (m, 2H), 6.75 (d, 2H), 8.3 (d, 2H).

EXAMPLE 30

[0707] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride hydrochloride salt was reacted with N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide hydrochloride salt to give 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}acetamide in 49% yield, m.p. 107-109° C.;

[0708] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4-1.6 (m, 4H), 2.2-2.4 (m, 1H), 2.7-2.9 (m, 2H), 2.9-3.1 (m, 4H), 3.2-3.4 (m, 2H), 3.6-4.0 (m, 2H), 6.7-6.8 (d, 2H), 7.6 -8.2 (m, 11H), 8.4 (s, 1H);

[0709] Elemental Analysis Found C, 59.7; H, 5.9; N, 14.1; C₂₅H₂₉N₅O₄S 0.4H₂O requires C, 59.7; H, 5.9; N, 13.9%.

[0710] The N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide hydrochloride salt used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0711] 1,1′-Carbonyldiimidazole (1.62 g) was added to a stirred solution of N-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)glycine (2.65 g) in DMF (20 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 20 minutes. The mixture was cooled to 5° C. and a solution of 2-(N-tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethylamine (1.6 g) in DMF (5 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 1M aqueous citric acid solution. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained N-[2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethyl]-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide (2.3 g), m.p. 150-152° C.

[0712] A portion (2 g) of the material so obtained was suspended in ethyl acetate and the mixture was cooled to 5° C. Hydrogen chloride gas was led into the mixture for 10 minutes to give a clear solution followed by the deposition of a precipitate. The solid was isolated, washed with diethyl ether and dried. There was thus obtained the required starting material (1.37 g);

[0713] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 2.7-2.9 (m, 2H), 3.15-3.3 (m, 2H), 3.4-3.5 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.9 (m, 3H), 7.9-8.3 (m, 8H), 8.45 (d, 1H).

EXAMPLE 31

[0714] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 3, N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide hydrochloride salt, 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole and 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine were reacted to give 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}acetamide in 10% yield;

[0715] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 3.1-3.2 (m, 4H), 3.4-3.6 (m, 6H), 3.6-3.7 (m, 4H), 7.1 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.8-7.9 (m, 1H), 8.0-8.05 (m, 1H), 8.1-8.2 (m, 4H), 8.4 (s, 1H);

[0716] Elemental Analysis Found C, 56.4; H, 5.9; N, 15.5; C₂₄H₂₈N₆O₄S 0.5H₂O 0.5EtAc requires C, 56.8; H, 6.0; N, 15.3%.

EXAMPLE 32

[0717] Triethylamine (0.686 ml) was added to a stirred solution of 4-chloropyrimidine hydrochloride (0.151 g), 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-[2-(piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino)ethyl]-acetamide hydrochloride salt (0.453 g) and ethanol (10 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 4 days. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was recrystallised from acetonitrile. There was thus obtained 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{2-[1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}acetamide (0.08 g), m.p. 178-179° C.;

[0718] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.3-1.6 (m, 2H), 1.65-1.85 (m, 2H), 2.3-2.45 (m, 1H), 2.8-3.05 (m, 6H), 3.4 (d, 2H), 4.3-4.5 (m, 2H), 6.8 (d, 1H), 7.3-7.8 (m, 3H), 7.8-7.95 (m, 2H), 8.0 (m, 2H), 8.1-8.2 (m, 3H), 8.4-8.5 (m, 2H);

[0719] Elemental Analysis Found C, 57.6; H, 5.7; N, 16.6; C₂₄H₂₈N₆O₄S requires C, 58.0; H, 5.7; N, 16.9%.

[0720] The 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-[2-(piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino)ethyl]acetamide used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0721] N-Hydroxybenzotriazole (0.135 g) and N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide (0.191 g) were added in turn to a stirred solution of 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (0.229 g) in DMF (10 ml) which had been cooled to 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 minutes. A solution of N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide hydrochloride salt (0.343 g) in DMF (5 ml) was added, followed by triethylamine (0.101 g). The resultant mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature and was stirred for 3 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed in turn with 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid, a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained N-{2-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide (0.192 g), m.p. 176-178° C.

[0722] The tert-butoxycarbonyl group was removed using an analogous procedure to that described in the last paragraph of the portion of Example 30 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials. There was thus obtained 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-[2-(piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino)ethyl]acetamide hydrochloride salt in 96% yield.

EXAMPLE 33

[0723] The procedure described in Example 32 was repeated except that 2-amino-4-chloropyrimidine hydrochloride salt was used in place of 4-chloropyrimidine hydrochloride salt. There was thus obtained N-{2-[1-(2-aminopyrimidin-4-yl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide in 53% yield, m.p. 197-199° C.;

[0724] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.3-1.55 (m, 2H), 1.6-1.8 (m, 2H), 2.2-2.4 (m, 1H), 2.7-2.9 (m, 2H), 2.9-3.1 (m, 4H), 3.4 (s, 2H), 4.2-4.4 (m, 2H), 5.9 (s, 2H), 6.0 (d, 1H), 7.6-7.8 (m, 4H), 7.8-7.95 (m, 2H), 7.95-8.2 (m, 4H), 8.45 (s, 1H);

[0725] Elemental Analysis Found C, 55.9; H, 5.6; N, 19.1; C₂₄H₂₉N₇S requires C, 56.3; H, 5.7; N, 19.2%.

EXAMPLE 34

[0726] The procedure described in Example 32 was repeated except that 2-amino-4-chloro-6-methylpyrimidine hydrochloride was used in place of 4-chloropyrimidine hydrochloride and that the reaction mixture was heated to 80° C. for 16 hours. There was thus obtained N-{2-[1-(2-amino-6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide in 38% yield, m.p. 225-226° C.;

[0727] NMR Spectrum 1.3-1.5 (m, 2H), 1.6-1.8 (m, 2H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 2.2-2.4 (m, 1H), 2.7-2.9 (m, 2H), 2.95-3.1 (m, 4H), 3.45 (s, 2H), 4.2-4.4 (m, 2H), 5.8 (s, 2H), 5.9 (s, 1H), 7.6-7.75 (m, 3H), 7.8-8.0 (m, 2H), 8.0-8.2 (m, 4H), 8.45 (s, 1H);

[0728] Elemental Analysis Found C, 57.1; H, 6.0; N, 18.4; C₂₅H₃₁N₇O₄S requires C, 56.9; H, 5.9; N, 18.4%.

EXAMPLE 35

[0729] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 18, 4-[2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamido]butyric acid was reacted with 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine to give 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{3-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]propyl}acetamide in 21% yield as a foam;

[0730] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.45-1.65 (m, 2H), 2.3 (t, 2H), 2.9-3.1 (m, 2H), 3.2-3.4 (m, 4H), 3.5-3.65 (m, 4H), 6.8 (m, 2H), 7.6-7.75 (m, 4H), 8.0-8.3 (m, 6H), 8.45 (s, 1H);

[0731] Elemental Analysis Found C, 57.7; H, 6.1; N, 12.7; C₂₅H₂₉N₅O₄S H₂O 0.5EtAc requires C, 58.2; H, 6.3; N, 12.6%.

[0732] The 4-[2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamido]butyric acid used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0733] Using an analogous procedure to that described in the first paragraph of the portion of Example 30 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials, N-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)glycine was reacted with methyl 4-aminobutyrate to give methyl 4-[2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamido]butyrate in 56% yield.

[0734] The material so obtained was hydrolysed using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 9. There was thus obtained the required starting material in 79% yield, m.p. 187-189° C.;

[0735] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.5-1.7 (m, 2H), 2.15 (t, 2H), 3.0 (t, 2H), 3.5 (s, 2H), 7.6-7.8 (m, 2H), 7.8-7.9 (m, 1H), 7.95-8.2 (m, 3H), 8.5 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 36

[0736] N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide (0.21 g) was added to a stirred mixture of N-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)glycine (0.265 g), 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine (0.169 g) and DMF (10 ml) which had been cooled to 5° C. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 19:1 mixture of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained N-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonylmethyl]naphthalene-2-sulphonamide (0.126 g),-m.p. 182-184° C.;

[0737] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 3.1-3.6 (m, 8H), 3.8-3.9 (m, 2H), 6.7-6.8 (m, 2H), 7.6-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.75-7.9 (m, 2H), 8.0-8.2 (m, 5H), 8.45 (s, 1H);

[0738] Elemental Analysis Found C, 61.0; H, 5.3; N, 13.5; C₂₁H₂₂N₄O₃S requires C, 61.4; H, 5.4; N, 13.5%.

EXAMPLE 37

[0739] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 36, 4-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)butyric acid was reacted with 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine to give N-{3-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]propyl}naphthalene-2-sulphonamide in 15% yield as a foam;

[0740] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.7-1.9 (m, 2H), 2.3-2.4 (t, 2H), 2.95-3.05 (m, 2H), 3.2-3.3 (m, 4H), 3.4-3.5 (m, 2H), 3.6-3.75 (m, 2H), 5.4-5.6 (d, 1H), 6.5-6.6 (m, 2H), 7.5-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.75-8.0 (m, 4H), 8.2-8.3 (m, 2H), 8.35 (s, 1H).

[0741] The 4-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)butyric acid used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0742] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride was reacted with methyl 4-aminobutyrate to give methyl 4-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)butyrate in 94% yield.

[0743] The material so obtained was hydrolysed using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 9. There was thus obtained the required starting material in 88% yield, m.p. 123-125° C.; NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃) 1.7-1.9 (m, 2H), 2.35 (t, 2H), 2.9-3.1 (m, 2H), 6.3-6.5 (m, 1H), 7.5-7.7 (m, 2H), 7.8-8.1 (m, 4H), 8.4 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 38

[0744] A solution of 5-(2-pyridyl)thien-2-ylsulphonyl chloride [Chem. Abs., 1983, 98, 215349; 0.162 g] in methylene chloride (5 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of 1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.314 g), triethylamine (0.9 ml) and methylene chloride (15 ml). The resultant mixture was stirred at ambient termperature of 18 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 1- [-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-4-[5-(2-pyridyl)thien-2-ylsulphonyl]piperazine (0.231 g, 74%);

[0745] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4-1.7 (m, 4H), 2.8-3.1 (m, 7H), 3.55-3.75 (m, 4H), 3.85-3.95 (m, 2H), 6.8 (d, 2H), 7.35-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.9-8.0 (m, 2H), 8.05-8.15 (m, 3H), 8.55-8.6 (m, 1H);

[0746] Elemental Analysis Found C, 57.2; H, 5.5; N, 13.9; C₂₄H₂₇N₅O₃S 0.25H₂O requires C, 57.4; H, 5.5; N, 14.0%.

EXAMPLE 39

[0747] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine was reacted with the appropriate (E)-styrenesulphonyl chloride. There were thus obtained the (E)-styrenes disclosed in Table I, the structures of which were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. Unless otherwise stated, the appropriate (E)-styrenesulphonyl chlorides were obtained from the corresponding styrenes using an analogous procedure to that described in Note b. below Table I. TABLE I

Example 39 m.p. Yield Compound No. R (° C.) (%)  1^(a) hydrogen gum 27  2^(b) 4-chloro 172-173 32  3^(c) 4-methyl 223-226 42  4^(d) 2-methyl 148-149 37  5^(e) 4-fluoro 125-126 55  6^(f) 2-chloro foam 39  7^(g) 3-chloro foam 49  8^(h) 3,4-dichloro foam 33  9^(i) 4-bromo foam 54 10^(j) 4-trifluoromethyl foam 30 # was thus obtained 4-chloro-β-styrenesulphonyl chloride (1.8 g); NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 6.95 (s, 2H), 7.4 (d, 2H), 7.55 (d, 2H).

EXAMPLE 40

[0748] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine was reacted with the appropriate 2-naphthalenesulphonyl chloride. There were thus obtained the compounds disclosed in Table II, the structures of which were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. Unless otherwise stated, the appropriate naphthylsulphonyl chlorides were obtained from the corresponding naphthalenes using an analogous procedure to that described in Note c. below Table III in Example 41. TABLE II

Example 40 m.p. Yield Compound No. R (° C.) (%) 1^(a) 4-chloro 199-203 38 2^(b) 7-chloro glass 18 3^(c) 7-ethoxy glass 13 4^(d) 6,7-dimethoxy glass 30 5^(e) 6-chloro 115 (decomposes) 82 6^(f) 6-bromo 142-145 81 7^(g) 6-methoxy gum 28 8^(h) 7-methoxy glass 29 9^(i) 6-fluoro 108-111 (decomposes) 73

[0749] The 6-chloro-2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0750] A solution of sodium nitrite (2.7 g) in water (5 ml) was added during 2 hours to a stirred mixture of 6-amino-2-naphthalenesulphonic acid (8.8 g), dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (2.8% weight/volume, 20 ml) and water (15 ml) which had been cooled to 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 minutes and then poured onto a stirred suspension of cuprous chloride (3.96 g) in dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (2.8%, 20 ml). The mixture was stored at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated to give 6-chloro-2-naphthalenesulphonic acid which was used without further purification.

[0751] The material was suspended in DMF (40 ml) and cooled to 5° C. Thionyl chloride (8.6 ml) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 3 hours. The mixture was poured onto ice and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic solution was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 20:1 mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained 6-chloro-2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride (2.49 g);

[0752] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 7.45 (m, 1H), 7.8 (m, 1H), 7.85 (d, 1H), 8.05 (m, 2H), 8.2 (s, 1H).

[0753] f. The product gave the following NMR signals (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.35-1.65 (m, 4H), 2.75-3.05 (m, 7H), 3.5-3.7 (m, 4H), 3.87 (m, 2H), 6.8 (d, 2H), 7.85 (m, 2H), 8.05-8.25 (m, 4H), 8.4 (d, 1H), 8.5 (d, 1H).

[0754] The 6-bromo-2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride used as a starting material was obtained in 22% yield from 6-amino-2-naphthalenesulphonic acid using an analogous procedure to that described in Note e above except that hydrobromic acid and cuprous bromide were used in place of hydrochloric acid and cuprous chloride respectively. The material gave the following NMR signals (CD₃SOCD₃) 7.65 (m, 1H), 7.75-8.0 (m, 3H), 8.15-8.2 (m, 2H).

[0755] g. The product gave the following NMR signals (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.48-1.73 (m, 4H), 2.75-3.02 (m, 3H), 3.06-3.11 (t, 4H), 3.56 (t, 4H), 3.76 (t, 1H), 3.81 (t, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 6.7 (d, 2H), 7.32 (m, 1H), 7.44 (m, 1H), 7.71 (m, 1H), 8.03 (m, 2H), 8.12 (d, 2H), 8.31 (d, 1H).

[0756] The 6-methoxy-2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0757] A mixture of sodium 6-hydroxy-2-naphthylsulphonate (5 g) and DMSO (100 ml) was added to a stirred suspension of sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 1 g) in DMSO (20 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. The mixture was cooled to 10° C. and methyl iodide (22 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature and was stirred for 2 hours. The mixture was poured into acetone and the precipitate was isolated and washed in turn with acetone and diethyl ether. There was thus obtained sodium 6-methoxy-2-naphthylsulphonate (3.3 g).

[0758] Thionyl chloride (0.82 ml) was added to a stirred solution of a portion (0.96 g) of the material so obtained in DMF (10 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was poured onto ice. The precipitate was isolated and dried. There was thus obtained 6-methoxy-2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride (0.7 g) which was used without further purification.

[0759] h. The product gave the following NMR signals (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4-1.65 (m, 4H), 2.75-3.0 (m, 7H), 3.5-3.7 (m, 4H), 3.88 (m, 2H), 6.75 (d, 2H), 7.35-7.65 (m, 3H), 7.95-8.1 (m, 4H), 8.35 (s, 1H).

[0760] The 7-methoxy-2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride used as a starting material was obtained from sodium 7-hydroxy-2-naphthylsulphonate using analogous procedures to those described in Note g above.

[0761] i. The product gave the following NMR signals (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.45-1.8 (m, 4H), 2.9-3.1 (m, 5H), 3.22 (m, 2H), 3.55-3.75 (m, 4H), 4.12 (m, 2H), 7.1 (d, 2H), 7.57 (m, 1H), 7.75-7.9 (m, 2H), 8.15 (m, 2H), 8.3 (m, 1H), 8.5 (d, 1H).

[0762] The 6-fluoro-2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0763] 6-Amino-2-naphthalenesulphonic acid (5.41 g) was added portionwise during 10 minutes to a stirred suspension of nitrosonium tetrafluoroborate (3.12 g) in methylene chloride (100 ml) which had been cooled to 5° C. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 2 hours and at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated and 1,2-dichlorobenzene (100 ml) was added to the residue. The mixture was stirred and heated to 150° C. for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled to 5° C. and thionyl chloride (3.6 ml) and DMF (10 ml) were added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 9:1 mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained 6-fluoro-2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride (1.53 g);

[0764] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 7.4 (m, 1H), 7.65-7.9 (m, 3H), 8.05 (m, 2H), 8.2 (d, 1H).

EXAMPLE 41

[0765] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine was reacted with the appropriate benzenesulphonyl chloride. There were thus obtained the compounds disclosed in Table III, the structures of which were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. TABLE III

Example 41 m.p. Yield Compound No. R (° C.) (%) 1^(a) 4-bromo glass 67 2^(b) 4-phenyl glass 64 3^(c) 4-(4-chlorophenyl) glass 61 # (0.7 g) which was used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 42

[0766] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine was reacted with dibenzofuran-3-sulphonyl chloride to give 1-(dibenzofuran-3-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine as a glassy solid in 75% yield;

[0767] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.35-1.75 (m, 4H), 2.8-3.1 (m, 7H), 3.6-3.8 (m, 4H), 3.9-4.0 (m, 2H) , 6.8 (d, 2H), 7.67 (m, 2H) , 7.85-8.2 (m, 5H), 8.5 (d, 1H) , 8.75 (d, 1H);

[0768] Elemental Analysis Found C, 62.8; H, 5.5; N, 10.8; C₂₇H₂₈N₄O₄S 0.5H₂O requires C, 63.1; H, 5.7; N, 10.9%.

EXAMPLE 43

[0769] A mixture of 2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (0.37 ml) and methanol (4 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours. The mixture was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in water (4 ml) and acidified by the addition of glacial acetic acid. The resultant precipitate was washed with water, dried and triturated under diethyl ether. There was thus obtained 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine-2-carboxylic acid (0.082 g), m.p. 188-193° C.;

[0770] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.45-1.8 (m, 4H), 2.9-3.4 (m, 5H), 3.78 (m, 1H), 4.1 (m, 2H), 4.5 (m, 2H), 7.1 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.9 (m, 3H), 8.0-8.2 (m, 5H), 8.45 (d, 1H);

[0771] Elemental Analysis Found C, 59.6; H, 5.7; N, 10.3; C₂₆H₂₈N₄O₅S 0.75H₂O requires C, 59.8; H, 5.7; N, 10.7%.

EXAMPLE 44

[0772] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with ethyl 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine-3-carboxylate to give 2-ethoxycarbonyl-4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine as a glassy solid in 9% yield;

[0773] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.3 (t, 3H), 1.65-2.1 (m, 4H), 2.5 (m, 2H), 2.78 (m, 1H), 3.05 (m, 2H), 3.6-3.95 (m, 5H), 4.2 (m, 2H), 4.4 (m, 1H), 5.07 (m, 1H), 5.3 (m, 1H), 6.65 (d, 2H), 7.7 (m, 3H), 7.98 (m, 3H), 8.2 (d, 2H), 8.35 (d, 1H);

[0774] Elemental Analysis Found C, 62.3; H, 6.5; N, 10.8; C₂₈H₃₂N₄O₅S requires C, 62.7; H, 6.1; N, 10.4%.

[0775] The ethyl 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine-3-carboxylate used as a starting material was prepared as follows:

[0776] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, ethyl 1-benzylpiperazine-2-carboxylate was reacted with 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride to give ethyl 1-benzyl-4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine-2-carboxylate in 93% yield.

[0777] 1-Chloroethyl chloroformate (1.5 ml) was added to a solution of ethyl 1-benzyl-4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine-2-carboxylate (2.44 g) in 1,2-dichloroethane (50 ml) and the mixture was stirred and heated to reflux for 48 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was triturated under hexane. Methanol (50 ml) was added to the resultant gum and the mixture was heated to reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained ethyl 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine-3-carboxylate as a gum (1.55 g);

[0778] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃) 1.3 (t, 3H), 2.65-3.0 (m, 3H), 3.5 (m, 2H), 3.75 (m, 1H), 4.2 (q, 2H), 7.7 (m, 3H), 7.98 (m, 3H), 8.35 (d, 1H).

EXAMPLE 45

[0779] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 14, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine was reacted with 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-piperidine-3-carboxylic acid to give 1-[1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-piperidin-3-ylcarbonyl]-4-(4-pyridyl)piperazine as a foam in 25% yield;

[0780] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 0.95-1.75 (m, 6H), 2.3-2.45 (m, 2H), 2.6 (m, 1H), 3.5-3.75 (m, 8H), 7.05 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.75 (m, 3H), 8.1 (m, 5H), 8.4 (s, 1H).

[0781] The 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidine-3-carboxylic acid used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0782] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, ethyl piperidine-3-carboxylate was reacted with 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride to give ethyl 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidine-3-carboxylate in 62% yield.

[0783] A mixture of the material so obtained (1.33 g), potassium hydroxide (0.43 g) and ethanol (17 ml) was stirred and heated to 80° C. for 4 hours. The mixture was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in water (5 ml) and the solution was acidified by the addition of 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The resultant precipitate was isolated, washed with water and dried. There was thus obtained 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidine-3-carboxylic acid (0.81 g);

[0784] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.45-1.64 (m, 2H), 1.8-1.95 (m, 2H), 2.25 (m, 1H), 2.5 (m, 2H), 3.58 (m, 2H), 7.72 (m, 3H), 8.15 (m, 3H), 8.45 (d, 1H).

EXAMPLE 46

[0785] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1 except that DMF was used in place of methylene chloride as the reaction solvent, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 1-(2-naphthylmethyl)-2-oxopiperazine trifluoroacetate salt to give 1-(2-naphthylmethyl)-2-oxo-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine in 18% yield;

[0786] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.45-1.75 (m, 4H), 2.85-3.05 (m, 3H), 3.3 (m, 2H), 3.65-4.4 (m, 6H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 6.8 (d, 2H), 7.5 (m, 3H), 7.8 (s, 1H), 7.9 (d, 2H), 8.1 (d, 2H);

[0787] Elemental Analysis Found C, 70.6; H, 6.7; N, 12.5; C₂₆H₂₈N₄O₂ 0.8H₂O requires C, 70.5; H, 6.7; N, 12.6%.

[0788] The 1-(2-naphthylmethyl)-2-oxopiperazine trifluoroacetate salt used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0789] Di-tert-butyl pyrocarbonate (7.75 g) was added portionwise to a stirred mixture 2-oxopiperazine (3.23 g), potassium carbonate (4.46 g), tert-butanol (15 ml) and water (15 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried and evaporated. The residue was recrystallised from ethyl acetate. There was thus obtained 4-tert-butoxycarbonyl-2-oxopiperazine (5.31 g), m.p. 157-159° C.

[0790] Sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.145 g) was added portionwise to a stirred mixture of 4-tert-butoxycarbonyl-2-oxopiperazine (0.5 g) and DMF (15 ml) which had been cooled to 5° C. The mixture was stirred at that temperature for 1.5 hours. A solution of 2-bromomethylnaphthalene (0.552 g) in DMF (3 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature and was stirred for 18 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 3:2 mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained 4-tert-butoxycarbonyl-1-(2-naphthylmethyl)-2-oxopiperazine as a gum (0.41 g).

[0791] A mixture of the material so obtained, trifluoroacetic acid (1.5 ml) and methylene chloride (10 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. Water (0.5 ml) was added and the mixture was evaporated. There was thus obtained 1-(2-naphthylmethyl)-2-oxopiperazine trifluoroacetate salt (0.4 g) which was used without further purification;

[0792] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 3.4-3.5 (m, 4H), 3.9 (s, 2H), 4.8 (s, 2H), 7.4-7.6 (m, 3H), 7.8-8.0 (m, 4H).

EXAMPLE 47

[0793] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 20, 2-[2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamido]-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]propionic acid was reacted with 4-methylpiperidine to give N-{1-(4-methylpiperidin-1-ylcarbonyl)-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide in 22% yield.

EXAMPLE 48

[0794] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 20, 2-[2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamido]-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]propionic acid was reacted with morpholine to give N-{1-morpholinocarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]-ethyl}-2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)acetamide in 36% yield.

EXAMPLE 49

[0795] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-1,4-diazepane to give 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-1,4-diazepane in 42% yield, m.p. 178-180° C.;

[0796] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.5-2.0 (m, 6H), 3.15 (m, 1H), 3.3-3.6 (m, 5H), 3.65 (m, 2H), 3.75 (m, 2H), 3.85 (m, 1H), 4.28 (m, 2H), 7.25 (m, 1H), 7.75-8.0 (m, 3H), 8.15-8.4 (m, 5H), 8.6 (d, 1H);

[0797] Elemental Analysis Found C, 64.5; H, 6.2; N, 11.8; C₂₆H₃₀N₄ O₃S 0.25H₂O requires C, 64.6; H, 6.3; N, 11.6%.

[0798] The 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-1,4-diazepane used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0799] A solution of 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride (2.26 g) in methylene chloride (5 ml) was added to a stirred solution of 1,4-diazepane (otherwise known as homopiperazine, 5 g) in methylene chloride (50 ml) which had been cooled to 5° C. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The aqueous layer was basified to pH13 by the addition of 10N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give the required starting material in 96% yield;

[0800] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.6-1.75 (m, 2H), 2.6-2.8 (m, 4H), 3.2-3.4 (m, 4H), 7.6-7.9 (m, 3H), 8.0-8.3 (m, 3H), 8.5 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 50

[0801] A mixture of 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine (0.136 g), 2,4,5-trichlorophenyl 4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (0.2 g) and DMF (2 ml) was stirred and heated to 80° C. for 24 hours. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 19:1 mixture of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. The oil so obtained was triturated under diethyl ether. There was thus obtained 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[4-(4-pyridyl)-piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.139 g, 73%), m.p. 210-212° C.;

[0802] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 2.9-3.05 (m, 4H), 3.1-3.4 (m, 12H), 6.7 (d, 2H), 7.7 (m, 3H), 8.1-8.3 (m, 5H), 8.45 (s, 1H);

[0803] Elemental Analysis Found C, 61.4; H, 6.0; N, 14.7; C₂₄H₂₇N₅O₃S requires C, 61.9; H, 5.9; N, 15.0%.

[0804] The 2,4,5-trichlorophenyl 4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0805] 2,4,5-Trichlorophenyl chloroformate (0.26 g) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine hydrochloride salt (0.63 g), triethylamine (0.41 g) and methylene chloride (10 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 1:1 mixture of hexane and methylene chloride as eluent. There was thus obtained the required starting material (0.32 g);

[0806] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 3.0-3.2 (m, 4H), 3.5-3.8 (m, 4H), 7.65-7.8 (m, 4H), 7.9 (s, 1H), 8.05 (m, 1H), 8.2 (m, 2H), 8.45 (s, 1H).

[0807] The 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine hydrochloride salt used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0808] A solution of 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride (6.12 g) in methylene chloride (20 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of 1-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperazine (5 g), triethylamine (5.63 ml) and methylene chloride (50 ml) which had been cooled in an ice-bath. The mixture was stirred at 5° to 10° C. for 4 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 1M aqueous citric acid solution. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine as a solid (4.84 g), m.p. 174-176° C.

[0809] A portion (0.25 g) of the material so obtained as suspended in ethyl acetate (20 ml) and the mixture was cooled in an ice-bath. Hydrogen chloride gas was led into the mixture for 20 minutes. The mixture was evaporated. There was thus obtained 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine hydrochloride salt (0.21 g);

[0810] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 3.1-3.3 (m, 8H), 7.7-7.85 (m, 3H), 8.1 (d, 1H), 8.15-8.2 (m, 2H), 8.5 (s, 1H), 9.2-9.4 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 51

[0811] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with (2RS,5SR)-2,5-dimethyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine to give (2RS,5SR)-2,5-dimethyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 13% yield;

[0812] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃) 0.85-1.03 (m, 3H), 1.1-1.4 (m, 2H), 1.65-2.1 (m, 4H), 2.65 (m, 1H), 2.90 (m, 2H), 3.18 (m, 1H), 3.58 (m, 2H), 3.89 (m, 2H), 4.25 (m, 2H), 6.62 (d, 2H), 7.7 (m, 3H), 7.95 (m, 3H), 8.25 (d, 2H), 8.39 (s, 1H);

[0813] Elemental Analysis Found C, 58.7; H, 6.2; N, 9.5; C₂₇H₃₂N₄O₃S 0.9CH₂Cl₂ requires C, 58.5; H, 6.0; N, 9.8%.

[0814] The (2RS,5SR)-2,5-dimethyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine used as a starting material was obtained in 50% yield by the reaction of (2RS,5SR)-2,5-dimethylpiperazine and 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2.

EXAMPLE 52

[0815] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 3-methyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine to give 3-methyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-[4-1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 32% yield;

[0816] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.5-1.75 (m, 4H), 2.45-2.7 (m, 3H), 3.19 (m, 1H), 3.57 (m, 1H), 3.75 (m, 3H), 4.06 (d, 1H), 4.52 (m, 1H), 6.65 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.79 (m, 3H), 8.0-8.15 (m, 5H), 8.38 (s, 1H);

[0817] Elemental Analysis Found C, 64.1; H, 6.4; N, 11.3; C₂₆H₃₀N₄O₃S 0.25EtOAc 0.15H₂O requires C, 64.4; H, 6.47; N, 11.1%.

[0818] The 3-methyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine used as a starting material was obtained in quantitative yield by the reaction of 2-methylpiperazine and 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2.

EXAMPLE 53

[0819] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 3-methyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine was reacted with 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride. The reaction mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The aqueous layer was basified to pH14 by the addition of 10N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained 2-methyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 96% yield;

[0820] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.5-1.75 (m, 4H), 2.75-3.3 (m, 6H), 3.6-4.2 (m, 6H), 6.7 (d, 2H), 7.61-7.84 (m, 3H), 8.0-8.16 (m, 5H), 8.45 (s, 1H);

[0821] Elemental Analysis Found C, 63.2; H, 6.5; N, 11.1; C₂₆H₃₀N₄O₃S 0.8H₂O requires C, 63.2; H, 6.5; N, 11.3%.

[0822] The 3-methyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine used as a starting material was obtained in 39% yield by the reaction of 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride and 2-methylpiperazine using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 54

[0823] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 1-[(E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl]-3-methylpiperazine. The reaction mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The aqueous layer was basified to pH14 by the addition of 10N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of ethyl acetate and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 4-[(E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl]-2-methyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 24% yield;

[0824] NMR Spectrum (CD SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.24 (d, 3H), 1.6-1.8 (m, 4H), 2.7 to 3.05 (m, 5H), 3.22 (m, 1H), 3.45 (m, 1H), 3.62 (m, 1H), 3.84 (m, 2H), 4.12 (m, 1H), 4.6 (m, 1H), 6.71 (d, 2H), 7.14 (d, 1H), 7.42 (d, 1H), 7.4-7.7 (m, 4H), 8.15 (d, 2H);

[0825] Elemental Analysis Found C, 57.6; H, 6.2; N, 10.5; C₂₄H₂₉ClN₄O₃ 0.5EtOAc 0.5H₂O requires C, 57.6; H, 6.3; N, 10.3%.

[0826] The 1-[(E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl]-3-methylpiperazine used as a starting material was obtained in 35% yield by the reaction of 2-methylpiperazine and (E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl chloride using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2.

EXAMPLE 55

[0827] A mixture of 4-chloropyrimidine hydrochloride (0.151 g), 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)piperazine (0.387 g), triethylamine (0.202 g) and ethanol (5 ml) was stirred and heated to reflux for 1 hour. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography using a 19:1 mixture of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. The solid so obtained was recrystallised from acetonitrile. There was thus obtained 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine (0.135 g, 29%), m.p. 203-205° C.;

[0828] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.38 (m, 2H), 1.63 (m, 2H), 2.8-3.1 (m, 7H), 3.5-3.8 (m, 4H), 4.3 (m, 2H), 6.75 (d, 1H), 7.7-7.85 (m, 3H), 8.05-8.3 (m, 4H), 8.45 (m, 2H);

[0829] Elemental Analysis Found C, 61.4; H, 5.9; N, 15.1; C₂₄H₂₇N₅O₃S 0.2H₂O requires C, 61.5; H, 5.85; N, 14.9%.

[0830] The 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl) piperazine used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0831] A solution of di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (10.9 g) in methylene chloride (50 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of ethyl piperidine-4-carboxylate (7.85 g), triethylamine (10.1 g) and methylene chloride (100 ml) which was cooled in an ice-bath to a temperature in the range 5 to 10° C. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between diethyl ether and a 1M aqueous citric acid solution. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained ethyl 1-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperidine-4-carboxylate as an oil.

[0832] A mixture of the material so obtained, 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (50 ml) and methanol (125 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was concentrated by evaporation of the bulk of the methanol and the residue was partitioned between diethyl ether and 1M aqueous citric acid solution. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained 1-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid (10.6 g, 92%).

[0833] N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide (2.5 g) was added to a stirred mixture of 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine [3.61 g; obtained by partitioning the corresponding piperazine hydrochloride salt between diethyl ether and 10N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and drying (MgSO₄) and evaporating the organic phase], 1-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid (3 g) and DMF (40 ml) which had been cooled in an ice-bath. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-(1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl)piperazine (3.79 g, 59%), m.p. 195-197° C.

[0834] A mixture of a portion (1 g) of the material so obtained and trifluoroacetic acid (5 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)piperazine (0.61 g, 77%);

[0835] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.2-1.5 (m, 4H), 2.4-2.7 (m, 3H), 2.8-3.1 (m, 6H), 3.5-3.7 (m, 4H), 7.6-7.8 (m, 3H), 8.0-8.3 (m, 3H), 8.4 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 56

[0836] A mixture of 2-amino-4-chloro-6-methylpyrimidine (0.143 g), 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)piperazine (0.387 g), triethylamine (0.101 g) and ethanol (5 ml) was stirred and heated to reflux for 18 hours. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was triturated under diethyl ether. There was thus obtained 4-[1-(2-amino-6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine (0.29 g, 58%);

[0837] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.2-1.45 (m, 2H), 1.55 (m, 2H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 2.8 (m, 3H), 2.9-3.2 (m, 4H), 3.5-3.7 (m, 4H), 4.23 (m, 2H), 5.95 (d, 3H), 7.7-7.85 (m, 3H), 8.2 (m, 3H), 8.45 (s, 1H);

[0838] Elemental Analysis Found C, 60.1; H, 6.4; N, 16.6; C₂₅H₃₀N₆O₃S 0.3H₂O requires C, 60.1; H, 6.1; N, 16.8%.

EXAMPLE 57

[0839] A mixture of succinimido 1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidine-4-carboxylate (0.326 g), 1-[(E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl]piperazine (0.4 g) and DMF (5 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 49:1 mixture of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. The material so obtained was recrystallised from acetonitrile. There was thus obtained 1-[(E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl]-4-[1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.133 g, 22%), m.p. 209-210° C.;

[0840] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.3-1.6 (m, 2H), 1.7 (m, 2H), 2.9-3.2 (m, 7H), 3.5-3.8 (m, 4H), 4.4 (m, 2H), 6.8 (d, 1H), 7.4 (m, 4H), 7.8 (d, 2H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.45 (s, 1H);

[0841] Elemental Analysis Found C, 55.2; H, 5.5; N, 14.7; C₂₂H₂₆ClN₅O₃S requires C, 55.5; H, 5.5; N, 14.7%.

[0842] The succinimido 1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidine-4-carboxylate used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0843] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 32, 4-chloropyrimidine hydrochloride was reacted with ethyl piperidine-4-carboxylate to give ethyl 1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidine-4-carboxylate in 46% yield.

[0844] A mixture of the material so obtained (0.5 g), 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid (5 ml) and THF (15 ml) was stirred and heated to reflux for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was washed with ethyl acetate. There was thus obtained 1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid hydrochloride salt (0.49 g, 95%);

[0845] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.6 (m, 2H), 2.0 (m, 2H), 2.7 (m, 1H), 3.4 (m, 2H), 4.5 (broad s, 2H), 7.2 (d, 1H), 8.3 (d, 1H), 8.8 (s, 1H).

[0846] A mixture of the acid so obtained, N-hydroxysuccinimide (0.29 g), triethylamine (0.61 g), N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide (0.48 g) and DMSO (10 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 5 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained succinimido 1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidine-4-carboxylate which was used without further purification.

[0847] The 1-[(E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl]piperazine used as a starting material was obtained in 42% yield by the reaction of piperazine and (E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphinyl chloride using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2.

EXAMPLE 58

[0848] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 1-(4′-methylbiphenyl-4-ylsulphonyl)piperazine to give 1-(4′-methylbiphenyl-4-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 67% yield, m.p. 213-217° C.;

[0849] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.6-1.85 (m, 4H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.98 (m, 1H), 3.05-3.3 (m, 6H), 3.55-3.65 (m, 4H), 3.95 (m, 2H), 6.95 (d, 2H), 7.3 (d, 2H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.8 (m, 4H), 8.05 (d, 2H);

[0850] Elemental Analysis Found C, 65.0; H, 6.3; N, 10.8; C₂₈H₃₂N₄O₃S 0.66H₂O requires C, 65.1; H, 6.5; N, 10.8%.

[0851] The 1-(4′-methylbiphenyl-4-ylsulphonyl)piperazine used as a starting material was prepared as follows:

[0852] A solution of 4-iodophenylsulphonyl chloride (5 g) in methylene chloride (150 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of piperazine (7.1 g) in methylene chloride (50 ml) which had been cooled in an ice bath. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 14 hours. The mixture was extracted with 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The aqueous solution was washed with ethyl acetate, basified by the addition of 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained 1-(4-iodophenylsulphonyl)piperazine (4.6 g) which was used without further purification.

[0853] A mixture of the material so obtained (0.5 g), 4-tolylboronic acid (0.19 g), 2M aqueous sodium carbonate solution (7.8 ml), tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(O) (0.1 g), ethanol (15 ml) and toluene (21 ml) was stirred and heated to reflux for 5 hours. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained 1-(4′-methylbiphenyl-4-ylsulphonyl)piperazine (0.43 g);

[0854] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.7-2.9 (m, 8H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.8 (d, 2H), 7.95 (d, 2H).

EXAMPLE 59

[0855] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with the appropriate 1-(phenylsulphonyl)piperazine. There were thus obtained the compounds disclosed in Table IV, the structures of which were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. Unless otherwise stated, the appropriate 1-(phenylsulphonyl)piperazine was obtained from 1-(4-iodophenylsulphonyl)piperazine using an analogous procedure to that described in the last paragraph of the portion of Example 58 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials. TABLE IV

Example 59 m.p. Yield Compound No. R (° C.) (%) 1^(a) 4-(4-bromophenyl) 203-207 54 2^(b) 4-(3,5-dichlorophenyl) gum 13 3^(c) 3-(4-chlorophenyl) foam 12 4^(d) 3-phenyl gum 12 5^(e) 4-iodo glass 79 6^(f) 4-(4-ethoxycarbonylphenyl) gum 5 7^(g) 4-(4-cyanophenyl) gum 3 8^(h) 3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl) gum 18 9^(i) 4-(4-nitrophenyl) gum 27 10^(j)  4-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl) gum 19 # 2.7-2.8 (m, 4H), 2.8-2.9 (m, 4H), 7.75 (d, 4H), 7.8 (d, 2H), 7.95 (d, 2H). # signals (CD₃SOCD₃) 2.7-2.8 (m, 4H), 2.8-2.9 (m, 4H), 7.6 (d, 2H), 7.7-7.8 (m, 5H), 8.05 (m, 1H). # mixture of methylene chloride (20 ml), methanol (5 ml) and water (0.2 ml). Potassium fluoride (3 g) was added and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained [4-(piperazin-1-ylsulphonyl)phenyl]tributyltin (1.5 g). # (m, 2H), 7.65-7.97 (m, 4H), 7.97-8.15 (m, 4H). # 7.58 (t, 1H), 7.68-7.85 (m, 4H), 7.91-8.05 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 60

[0856] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 1-[4-(2-pyridyl)phenylsulphonyl]piperazine to give 1-[4-(2-pyridyl)phenylsulphonyl]-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 54% yield, m.p. 224-226° C.;

[0857] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.35-1.65 (m, 4H), 2.75-3.05 (m, 7H), 3.5-3.7 (m, 4H), 3.88 (m, 2H), 6.75 (d, 2H), 7.45 (m, 1H), 7.8-8.0 (m, 3H), 8.05-8.15 (m, 3H), 8.35 (d, 2H), 8.72 (m, 1H);

[0858] Elemental Analysis Found C, 62.7; H, 5.9; N, 14.0; C₂₆H₂₉N₅O₃S 0.5H₂O requires C, 62.4; H, 6.0; N, 14.0%.

[0859] The 1-[4-(2-pyridyl)phenylsulphonyl]piperazine used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0860] A mixture of 1-(4-iodophenylsulphonyl)piperazine (0.48 g), (2-pyridyl)tributyltin (1.18 g), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)-palladium(O) (0.1 g) and toluene (15 ml) was stirred and heated to reflux for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 1-[4-(2-pyridyl)phenylsulphonyl]piperazine (0.439 g);

[0861] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 2.65-2.8 (m, 4H), 2.8-2.9 (m, 4H), 7.45 (m, 1H), 7.8-8.1 (m, 3H), 8.35 (d, 2H), 8.73 (m, 1H).

EXAMPLE 61

[0862] A mixture of 2-ethoxycarbonyl-4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.67 g), 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (2.5 ml) and methanol (10 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in water (10 ml). The solution was acidified by the addition of acetic acid. The precipitate was isolated and dried. There was thus obtained 2-carboxy-4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.47 g), m.p. 225-228° C. (decomposes);

[0863] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D, 100° C.) 1.55-1.9 (m, 4H), 2.45-2.55 (m, 1H), 2.65-2.75 (m, 1H), 2.9-3.05 (m, 1H), 3.1-3.4 (m, 3H), 3.7 (m, 1H), 3.92 (m, 2H), 4.07 (m, 1H), 4.25 (m, 1H), 4.98 (m, 1H), 6.9 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.8 (m, 3H), 7.95-8.2 (m, 5H), 8.4 (d, 1H).

[0864] Elemental Analysis Found C, 58.4; H, 5.8; N, 10.3; C₂₆H₂₈N₄O₅S 1.5H₂O requires C, 58.3; H, 5.8; N, 10.45%.

EXAMPLE 62

[0865] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with ethyl 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine-3-carboxylate to give 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 37% yield;

[0866] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.2 (t, 3H), 1.5-1.8 (m, 4H), 2.6 (m, 1H), 2.8 (m, 1H), 2.85-3.05 (m, 4H), 3.65-3.85 (m, 3H), 4.05-4.25 (m, 4H), 5.1 (m, 1H), 6.7 (d, 2H), 7.65 (m, 1H), 7.8 (m, 1H), 8.1-8.25 (m, 5H), 8.45 (d, 1H);

[0867] Elemental Analysis Found C, 58.5; H, 5.6; N, 9.6; C₂₈H₃₁ClN₄O₅S requires C, 58.9; H, 5.5; N, 9.8%.

[0868] The ethyl 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine-3-carboxylate used as a starting material was obtained in 78% yield from ethyl 1-benzylpiperazine-2-carboxylate and 6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl chloride using analogous procedures to those described in the portion of Example 44 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials.

EXAMPLE 63

[0869] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 61, 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine was hydrolysed to give 2-carboxy-4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine in 90% yield, m.p. 215-220° C. (decomposes);

[0870] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.5-1.8 (m, 4H), 2.7-3.05 (m, 5H), 3.6-3.85 (m, 4H), 4.1 (m, 1H), 4.25 (m, 1H), 4.95 (m, 1H), 6.7 (d, 2H), 7.65 (m, 1H), 7.8 (m, 1H), 8.05-8.25 (m, 5H), 8.45 (d, 1H);

[0871] Elemental Analysis Found C, 56.7; H, 5.0; N, 9.9; C₂₆H₂₇ClN₄O₅S 0.5H₂O requires C, 56.6; H, 5.1; N, 10.15%.

EXAMPLE 64

[0872] A mixture of 2-carboxy-4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.11 g), piperidine (0.064 ml), N-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.029 g), N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.054 g) DMF (2 ml) and DMSO (2 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-2-piperidinocarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine as a glass (0.063 g);

[0873] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D, 100° C.) 1.2-1.8 (m, 10H), 2.7-3.05 (m, 3H), 3.12 (m, 2H), 3.25-3.4 (m, 5H), 3.65 (m, 1H), 3.75-4.0 (m, 4H), 5.2 (m, 1H), 6.85 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.75 (m, 3H), 7.95-8.1 (m, 5H), 8.35 (d, 1H);

[0874] Elemental Analysis Found C, 63.6; H, 7.0; N, 12.0; C₃₁H₃₇N₅O₄S 0.5H₂O requires C, 63.7; H, 6.5; N, 12.0%.

EXAMPLE 65

[0875] A mixture of 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine-2-carboxylic acid (0.121 g) and thionyl chloride (0.2 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was evaporated and methylene chloride (8 ml) and piperidine (0.23 ml) were added in turn to the residue. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-2-piperidinocarbonyl-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine as a glass (0.061 g);

[0876] NHR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D) 1.2-1.8 (m, 10H), 2.9-3.3 (m, 6H), 3.45-3.75 (m, 4H), 3.9-4.2 (m, 4H), 4.47 (m, 1H), 5.0 (m, 1H), 6.8 (d, 2H), 7.68 (m, 3H), 8.0-8.2 (m, 5H), 8.35 (d, 1H);

[0877] Elemental Analysis Found C, 62.5; H, 6.4; N, 11.7; C₃₁H₃₇N₅O₄S H₂O requires C, 62.7; H, 6.6; N, 11.8%.

EXAMPLE 66

[0878] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 2-benzyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine to give 2-benzyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 70% yield; m.p. 186-188° C.;

[0879] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.6 (m, 4H), 2.7 (m, 3H), 3.0 (m, 4H), 3.9 (m, 4H), 4.2 (d, 2H), 6.6 (d, 3H), 7.2 (d, 5H), 7.7 (m, 3H), 8.1 (m, 5H), 8.5 (s, 1H).

[0880] Elemental Analysis Found C, 67.9; H, 6.3; N, 9.8; C₃₂H₃₄N₄O₃S 0.6H₂O requires C, 68.0; H, 6.3; N, 9.9%.

[0881] The 2-benzyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0882] N-Methylmorpholine (3.12 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-DL-phenylalanine (3 g), N-benzylglycine ethyl ester (2.18 g), N-hydroxybenzotriazole (1.26 g) and DMF (50 ml) which had been cooled to 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 minutes and at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 5:1 mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate as eluent to give a solid (3.7 g).

[0883] A mixture of the material so obtained and a 4M solution of hydrogen chloride in diethyl ether was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was evaporated to give phenylalanyl-N-benzylglycine ethyl ester (2.65 g);

[0884] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.2 (m, 2H), 3.1 (t, 2H), 3.6 (m, 4H), 4.1 (m, 2H), 4.6 (m, 2H), 7.2 (m, 10H), 8.4 (s, 2H).

[0885] A mixture of a portion (0.5 g) of the material so obtained, N-methylmorpholine (0.15 g) and a 0.1M solution of acetic acid in sec-butanol (25 ml) was stirred and heated to reflux for 3 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 1,3-dibenzyl-2,5-dioxopiperazine (0.29 g), m.p. 173-174° C.

[0886] After repetition of the previous reaction, a mixture of 1,3-dibenzyl-2,5-dioxopiperazine (1.6 g), boron trifluoride diethyl ether complex (0.1 g) and THF (5 ml) was stirred and heated to reflux for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and borane dimethyl sulphide complex (0.04 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was heated to 100° C. for 5 minutes. A 6N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (1 ml) was added and the mixture was heated to reflux for 1 hour. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and a 6N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (1.5 ml) was added. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and a saturated aqueous potassium carbonate solution. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 1,3-dibenzylpiperazine (0.29 g).

[0887] A solution of the material so obtained in methylene chloride (3 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride (0.257 g), triethylamine (0.7 ml) and methylene chloride (5 ml) which had been cooled to 0° C. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 2,4-dibenzyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine (0.37 g);

[0888] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.8 (m, 2H), 2.6 (m, 3H), 3.1 (m, 2H), 3.45 (d, 1H), 3.75 (d, 1H), 4.1 (s, 1H), 6.95 (m, 2H), 7.1 (m, 3H), 7.25 (s, 5H), 7.75 (m, 3H), 8.1 (m, 3H), 8.5 (s, 1H).

[0889] A mixture of the material so obtained, 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (0.23 g) and methylene chloride (50 ml) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 24 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 99:1 mixture of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 2-benzyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine (0.08 g).

[0890] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 2.4-2.8 (m, 4H), 3.1-3.4 (m, 3H), 3.6 (d, 1H), 4.0 (t, 1H), 7.2 (m, 5H), 7.7 (m, 3H), 8.1 (m, 3H), 8.4 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 67

[0891] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 2-amino-N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}acetamide hydrochloride salt was reacted with (E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl chloride to give 2-[(E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonamido]-N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]-ethyl}acetamide as a gum (0.1 g, 16%);

[0892] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃) 1.4-2.1 (m, 10H), 2.45 (m, 1H), 2.6-3.1 (m, 2H), 3.4-4.0 (m, 10H), 5.1 (m, 1H), 6.7 (d, 2H), 6.85 (d, 1H), 6.95 (m, 1H), 7.2-7.55 (m, 6H), 7.65 (d, 1H), 8.22 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 68

[0893] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 2-amino-N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}acetamide hydrochloride salt was reacted with 3,4-dichlorophenylsulphonyl chloride to give 2-(3,4-dichlorophenylsulphonamido)-N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}acetamide as a gum (0.17 g, 27%);

[0894] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4-1.8 (m, 10H), 2.35 (m, 1H), 2.88 (m, 2H), 3.02 (m, 1H), 3.15-3.5 (m, 8H), 3.55 (d, 1H), 3.9 (m, 2H), 4.85 (m, 1H), 6.8 (d, 2H), 7.7-7.9 (m, 3H), 8.0 (d, 1H), 8.05 (d, 1H), 8.15 (m, 3H);

[0895] Elemental Analysis Found C, 49.9; H, 5.4; N, 12.5; C₂₇H₃₄Cl₂N₆O₅S 0.4CH₂Cl₂ requires C, 49.9; H, 5.2; N, 12.7%.

EXAMPLE 69

[0896] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 56, 4-chloropyrimidine was reacted with 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl-)piperazine. The precipitate which was deposited when the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature was isolated and recrystallised from acetonitrile. There was thus obtained 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyrimidinyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 60% yield, m.p. 218-219° C.;

[0897] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.25-1.5 (m, 2H), 1.62 (m, 2H), 2.8-3.1 (m, 7H), 3.5-3.75 (m, 4H), 4.32 (m, 2H), 6.75 (m, 1H), 7.7 (m, 1H), 7.85 (m, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.2 (d, 1H), 8.28 (m, 3H), 8.45 (s, 1H), 8.5 (s, 1H);

[0898] Elemental Analysis Found C, 57.6; H, 5.3; N, 13.9; C₂₄H₂₆ClN₅O₃S requires C, 57.7; H, 5.2; N, 14.0%.

[0899] The 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-(4-piperidinyl-carbonyl)piperazine used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0900] Using analogous procedures to those described in two of the paragraphs of the portion of Example 50 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials, 1-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperazine was reacted with 6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl chloride to give 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine hydrochloride salt in 58% yield.

[0901] The material so obtained was reacted with 1-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid using analogous procedures to those described in the third and fourth paragraphs of the portion of Example 55 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials. There was thus obtained 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl) -4- (4-piperidinylcarbonyl)piperazine in 63% yield;

[0902] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃) 1.5-1-75 (m, 4H), 2.4-2.7 (m, 3H) , 3.0-3.2 (m, 6H), 3.5-3.75 (m, 4H), 7.55 (m, 1H), 7.75 (m, 1H) , 7.95 (m, 3H), 8.3 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 70

[0903] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 56, 2-amino-4-chloropyrimidine was reacted with 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)piperazine. The precipitate which was deposited on cooling the reaction mixture was isolated, washed with cold ethanol and dried. There was thus obtained 4-[1-(2-aminopyrimidin-4-yl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine in 73% yield, m.p. 265-267° C.;

[0904] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.0-1.4 (m, 4H), 2.5-2.7 (m, 3H), 2.7-2.9 (m, 4H), 3.3-3.5 (m, 4H), 4.08 (m, 2H), 5.7 (s, 2H), 5.8 (d, 1H), 7.5-7.7 (m, 3H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 8.1 (d, 1H) , 8.3 (s, 1H);

[0905] Elemental Analysis Found C, 55.9; H, 5.4; N, 15.9; C₂₄H₂₇ClN₆O₃S requires C, 56.0; H, 5.3; N, 16.3%.

EXAMPLE 71

[0906] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 32, 3,4,5-trichloropyridazine was reacted with 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl) -4-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)piperazine. The crude reaction product was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(3,4-dichloropyridazin-5-yl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 35% yield;

[0907] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.5-1.7 (m, 4H) , 2.7-2.9 (m, 1H), 2.95-3.1 (m, 6H), 3.5-3.85 (m, 6H), 7.7 (m, 1H), 7.85 (m, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.22 (s, 1H), 8.25 (d, 1H), 8.5 (s, 1H), 8.9 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 72

[0908] A mixture of 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(3,4-dichloropyridazin-5-yl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.2 g), 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (0.05 g) and ethanol (10 ml) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen gas for 48 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridazinyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.045 g, 25%);

[0909] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4-1.7 (m, 4H), 2.6-3.1 (m, 7H), 3.5-3.7 (m, 4H), 3.9-4.0 (m, 2H), 6.85 (m, 1H), 7.7 (m, 1H), 7.82 (m, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.27 (m, 2H), 8.5 (s, 1H), 8.55 (d, 1H), 8.9 (d, 1H).

EXAMPLE 73

[0910] A mixture of 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)piperazine (0.96 g), triethylamine (0.35 ml) and methylene chloride (10 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (0.42 g) in methylene chloride (20 ml) which had been cooled to 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.96 g, 74%), m.p. 230-233° C.;

[0911] NMR Spectrum (CDCl₃) 1.7-1.9 (m, 4H), 2.7 (m, 1H), 3.0-3.2 (m, 6H), 3.55-3.85 (m, 4H), 4.73 (m, 2H), 7.6 (m, 1H), 7.75 (m, 1H), 7.95 (m, 3H), 8.3 (s, 1H);

[0912] Elemental Analysis Found C, 46.9; H, 3.9; N, 14.4; C₂₃H₂₃Cl₃N₆O₃S 0.25CH₂Cl₂ requires C, 47.3; H, 4.0; N, 14.2%.

EXAMPLE 74

[0913] A mixture of 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine (0.163 g), 4-nitrophenyl 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (0.475 g) in DMF (5 ml) was stirred and heated to 100° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The aqueous layer was basified by the addition of dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The solid so obtained was recrystallised from a mixture of isohexane and ethyl acetate. There was thus obtained 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.34 g);

[0914] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 2.95-3.05 (m, 4H), 3.15-3.3 (m, 12H), 6.75 (m, 2H), 7.75 (m, 1H), 7.8 (m, 1H), 8.1-8.3 (m, 5H), 8.5 (s, 1H);

[0915] Elemental Analysis Found C, 57.5; H, 5.3; N, 13.9; C₂₄H₂₆ClN₅O₃S requires C, 57.7; H, 5.2; N, 14.0%.

[0916] The 4-nitrophenyl 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0917] A solution of 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (0.4 g) in methylene chloride (15 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine hydrochloride salt (0.69 g), triethylamine (0.56 ml) and methylene chloride (30 ml) which had been cooled to 0° C. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and a concentrated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic solution was washed with 1N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution and with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The solid so obtained was recrystallised from a mixture of isohexane and ethyl acetate. There was thus obtained 4-nitrophenyl 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (0.73 g);

[0918] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 3.1 (m, 4H), 3.5-3.75 (m, 4H), 7.25 (m, 1H), 7.38 (d, 2H), 7.85 (m, 1H), 8.15-8.3 (m, 5H), 8.5 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 75

[0919] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidine to give 4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperidine in 33% yield;

[0920] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.42-1.82 (m, 6H), 1.85-2.21 (m, 2H), 2.82-3.04 (m, 4H), 3.73-3.98 (m, 5H), 4.43 (m, 1H), 6.78 (d, 2H), 7.64-7.89 (m, 3H), 8.04-8.27 (m, 5H), 8.37 (s, 1H).

[0921] The 4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidine used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0922] Triethylamine (8.8 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of tert-butyl 4-hydroxypiperidine-1-carboxylate (European Patent Application No. 0 495 750, Chem. Abstracts, Vol. 117, Abstract 191869g, 6.38 g), methanesulphonyl chloride (3.7 ml) and methylene chloride (70 ml) which had been cooled to 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 hours and then evaporated. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and a concentrated aqueous citric acid solution. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using ethyl acetate as eluent to give tert-butyl 4-mesyloxypiperidine-1-carboxylate (7.82 g).

[0923] A mixture of a portion (0.99 g) of the material so obtained, sodium 2-naphthalenesulphinate (14.3 g) and DMF (70 ml) was stirred and heated to 120° C. for 5 hours. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give tert-butyl 4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidine-1-carboxylate (0.64 g) which was used without further purification.

[0924] A mixture of a portion (0.56 g) of the material so obtained and trifluoroacetic acid (5 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide. The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give 4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidine (0.18 g);

[0925] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.36-2.08 (m, 4H), 2.8-3.05 (m, 4H), 4.12-4.55 (m, 1H), 7.6-8.25 (m, 6H), 8.34 (s, 1H).

[0926] The sodium 2-naphthalenesulphinate used above was obtained as follows:

[0927] 2-Naphthalenesulphonyl chloride (15.9 g) was added portionwise during 2 hours to a stirred mixture of sodium sulphite (33 g), sodium bicarbonate (11.6 g) and water (66 ml) which had been warmed to 70° C. The resultant mixture was stirred at 75° C. for 1 hour and stored at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The precipitate was isolated. There was thus obtained sodium 2-naphthalenesulphinate (31 g).

EXAMPLE 76

[0928] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 4-(2-naphthylthio)piperidine to give 4-(2-naphthylthio)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperidine in 62% yield;

[0929] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.25-1.75 (m, 6H), 1.87-2.1 (broad s, 2H), 2.78-3.0 (m, 4H), 3.20 (d, 1H), 3.64 (m, 1H), 3.6-4.04 (m, 3H), 4.2 (d, 1H), 6.78 (d, 2H), 7.44-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.63-7.74 (m, 3H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 8.12 (s, 2H);

[0930] Elemental Analysis Found C, 72.2; H, 6.7; N, 9.7; C₂₆H₂₉N₃OS requires C, 72.4; H, 6.8; N, 9.7%.

[0931] The 4-(2-naphthylthio)piperidine used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0932] A solution of 2-naphthalenethiol (2.34 g) in DMF (10 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.65 g) and DMF (20 ml) which had been cooled to 10° C. The resultant mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 minutes. A solution of tert-butyl 4-mesyloxypiperidine-1-carboxylate (3.9 g) in DMF (40 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using methylene chloride as eluent. There was thus obtained tert-butyl 4-(2-naphthylthio)piperidine-1-carboxylate (0.65 g).

[0933] A mixture of the material so obtained and trifluoroacetic acid was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The organic solution was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained 4-(2-naphthylthio)piperidine (0.32 g);

[0934] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.42 (m, 2H), 1.88 (m, 2H), 2.58 (m, 2H), 2.94 (m, 2H), 3.43 (m, 1H), 7.5 (m, 3H), 7.89 (m, 4H).

EXAMPLE 77

[0935] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with 2-hydroxymethyl-4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine to give 2-hydroxymethyl-4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 42% yield;

[0936] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.55-1.72 (m, 2H), 1.83-1.95 (m, 2H), 2.35-3.05 (m, 8H), 3.49 (m, 2H), 3.7 (m, 2H), 4.01 (m, 2H), 6.72 (d, 2H), 7.63-7.79 (m, 3H), 8.0-8.2 (m, 5H), 8.39 (s, 1H);

[0937] Elemental Analysis Found C, 61.2; H, 6.2; N, 10.4; C₂₆H₃₀N₄O₄S 0.25EtAC 0.75H₂O requires C, 61.2; H, 6.4; N, 10.6%.

[0938] The 2-hydroxymethyl-4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazine used as a starting material was obtained in 49% yield by the reaction of 2-hydroxymethylpiperazine (J. Med. Chem., 1990, 33, 142) and 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2;

[0939] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.93 (t, 1H), 2.24 (m, 2H), 2.68 (m, 2H), 2.93 (m, 1H), 3.6 (m, 2H), 4.67 (t, 1H), 7.76 (m, 3H), 8.07-8.28 (m, 3H), 8.44 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 78

[0940] 1,1′-Carbonyldiimidazole (0.208 g) was added to a stirred solution of N-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)glycine (0.39 g) in DMF (10 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. 1-(4-Pyridyl)piperazine (0.21 g) was added and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was recrystallised from a mixture of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. There was thus obtained 1-[2-(6-chloronaphthalenesulphonamido)acetyl]-4-(4-pyridyl)-piperazine (0.179 g, 20%), m.p. 192-193° C.;

[0941] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 3.15 (m, 2H), 3.3-3.6 (m, 6H), 3.85 (m, 2H), 6.7-7.0 (m, 2H), 7.6 (m, 1H), 7.8-8.0 (m, 2H), 8.1-8.3 (m, 4H), 8.5 (s, 1H);

[0942] Elemental Analysis Found C, 56.5; H, 4.8; N, 12.4; C₂₁H₂₁ClN₄O₃S requires C, 56.7; H, 4.8; N, 12.6%.

[0943] The N-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)glycine used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0944] Triethylamine (0.278 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of 6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl chloride (0.522 g), glycine methyl ester hydrochloride (0.251 g) and methylene chloride (10 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was recrystallised from methanol to give methyl N-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)glycine (0.46 g).

[0945] A mixture of the material so obtained, and 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (3 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. The mixture was partitioned between diethyl ether and water. The aqueous phase was acidified by the addition of 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained the required starting material (0.39 g) which was used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 79

[0946] A mixture of 1-(4′-ethoxycarbonylbiphenyl-4-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.08 g), 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (0.28 ml), water (2 ml) and methanol (10 ml) was stirred and heated to reflux for 3 hours. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with methylene chloride. The aqueous suspension was filtered. The solid so obtained was resuspended in water. The mixture was acidified by the addition of glacial acetic acid and stirred for 2 hours. The solid was isolated, washed with water and with diethyl ether and dried. There was thus obtained 1-(4′-carboxybiphenyl-4-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.035 g);

[0947] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.6-1.86 (m, 4H), 3.0 (m, 1H), 3.15 (t, 4H), 3.32 (m, 2H), 3.63 (t, 4H), 3.97 (t, 1H), 4.03 (t, 1H), 7.01 (d, 2H), 7.24-7.96 (m, 6H), 8.09 (d, 4H).

EXAMPLE 80

[0948] Ethanethiol (0.15 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred suspension of sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.083 g) in DMPU (3 ml) which had been cooled to 3° C. and the mixture was stirred and allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 30 minutes. A solution of 1-(6-methoxynaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.1 g) in DMPU (2 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred and heated to 110° C. for 90 minutes. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was shaken with a slight excess of 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide. The resultant precipitate was isolated and dried. There was thus obtained 1-(6-hydroxynaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine sodium salt (0.052 g);

[0949] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.5-1.73 (m, 4H), 2.72-3.23 (m, 7H), 3.55 (t, 4H), 3.68-3.88 (m, 2H), 6.72 (m, 2H), 6.8 (m, 1H), 6.96 (m, 1H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.69 (m, 1H), 7.99 (m, 1H), 8.11 (m, 2H);

[0950] Elemental Analysis Found C, 53.8; H, 5.6; N, 10.0; C₂₅H₂₇N₄O₄S 3H₂O Na requires C, 53.9; H, 5.9; N, 10.1%.

EXAMPLE 81

[0951] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with methyl 2-[1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazin-2-yl]acetate to give 2-methoxycarbonylmethyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 90% yield as a glass;

[0952] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃+CD₃CO₂D, 100° C.) 1.6-1.85 (m, 4H), 2.4-2.65 (m, 2H), 2.85-3.35 (m, 6H), 3.55 (s, 3H), 3.78 (m, 1H), 3.9-4.1 (m, 4H), 4.45 (m, 1H), 6.95 (d, 2H), 7.68 (m, 2H), 7.8 (m, 1H), 7.95-8.15 (m, 5H), 8.45 (d, 1H);

[0953] Elemental Analysis Found C, 61.7; H, 6.3; N, 10.3; C₂₈H₃₂N₄O₅S 0.5H₂O requires C, 61.65; H, 6.05; N, 10.3%.

[0954] The methyl 2-[1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazin-2-yl]acetate used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0955] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, methyl 2-(1-benzylpiperazin-3-yl)acetate (J. Chem. Soc. Perkin I, 1992, 1035) was reacted with 2-naphthylsulphonyl chloride to give methyl 2-[4-benzyl-1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazin-2-yl]acetate in 90% yield.

[0956] The material so obtained was reacted with 1-chloroethyl chloroformate using an analogous procedure to that described in the second paragraph of the portion of Example 44 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials. There was thus obtained methyl 2-[1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperazin-2-yl]acetate in 87% yield;

[0957] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 2.55-2.7 (m, 2H), 2.9 (m, 1H), 3.05-3.45 (m, 4H), 3.55 (s, 3H), 3.9 (m, 1H), 4.6 (m, 1H), 7.65-7.9 (m, 3H), 8.12 (m, 3H), 8.55 (d, 1H), 9.3 (t, 2H).

EXAMPLE 82

[0958] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 1, 1-(4-pyridyl)piperidine-4-carbonyl chloride was reacted with ethyl 1-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine-3-carboxylate to give 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 42% yield, m.p. 117-121° C.;

[0959] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.2 (t, 3H), 1.5-1.8 (m, 4H), 2.55 (m, 1H), 2.7-3.05 (m, 5H), 3.65-3.85 (m, 3H), 4.05-4.25 (m, 4H), 5.08 (m, 1H), 6.7 (d, 2H), 7.77 (m, 2H), 8.1 (m, 4H), 8.3 (d, 1H), 8.45 (d, 1H).

[0960] Elemental Analysis Found C, 54.2; H, 5.2; N, 9.0; C₂₈H₃₁BrN₄O₅S requires C, 54.6; H, 5.1; N, 9.1%.

[0961] The ethyl 1-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine-3-carboxylate used as a starting material was obtained in 71% yield from ethyl 1-benzylpiperazine-2-carboxylate and 6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl chloride using analogous procedures to those described in the portion of Example 44 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials.

EXAMPLE 83

[0962] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 61, 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine was hydrolysed to give 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-carboxy-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 92% yield, m.p. 216-222° C. (decomposes);

[0963] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.5-1.8 (m, 4H), 2.52 (m, 1H), 2.7 (m, 1H), 2.8-3.05 (m, 3H), 3.25 (m, 1H), 3.6-4.3 (m, 5H), 4.95 (m, 1H), 6.75 (d, 2H), 7.75 (m, 2H), 8.0-8.15 (m, 4H), 8.3 (d, 1H), 8.4 (d, 1H).

[0964] Elemental Analysis Found C, 52.4; H, 4.8; N, 9.3; C₂₆H₂₇BrN₄O₅S 0.5H₂O requires C, 52.35; H, 4.7; N, 9.4%.

EXAMPLE 84

[0965] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 20, 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-carboxy-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine was reacted with morpholine to give 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-morpholinocarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 60% yield, m.p. 235-237° C.;

[0966] NMR Spectrum (CD SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.5-1.8 (m, 4H), 2.7-3.05 (m, 5H), 3.4 (m, 4H), 3.5-3.6 (m, 4H), 3.67 (m, 1H), 3.75-3.9 (m, 4H), 3.98 (m, 1H), 5.2 (m, 1H), 6.65-6.8 (m, 2H), 7.75 (m, 2H), 8.1 (m, 4H), 8.3 (d, 1H), 8.45 (d, 1H);

[0967] Elemental Analysis Found C, 53.7; H, 5.2; N, 10.2; C₃₀H₃₄BrN₅O₅S H₂O requires C, 53.5; H, 5.35; N, 10.4%.

EXAMPLE 85

[0968] A mixture of 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.891 g), magnesium oxide (0.5 g), 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (0.2 g) and DMF (15 ml) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen gas until uptake of hydrogen ceased. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. There was thus obtained 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.36 g);

[0969] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.3-1.7 (m, 4H), 2.8-3.1 (m, 7H), 3.5-3.7 (m, 4H), 4.5-4.7 (m, 2H), 7.6-7.8 (m, 3H), 8.1-8.3 (m, 3H), 8.45 (s, 1H), 8.55 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 86

[0970] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 56, 2-amino-4-chloro-6-methylpyrimidine was reacted with 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)piperazine. The reaction mixture was concentrated by evaporation to one half of its original volume and cooled to ambient temperature. The precipitate which formed was isolated, washed with diethyl ether and dried. There was thus obtained 4-[1-(2-amino-6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine in 39% yield, m.p. 210-212° C.;

[0971] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.2-1.6 (m, 4H), 2.0 (s, 3H), 2.8 (m, 3H), 2.9-3.1 (m, 4H), 3.5-3.7 (m, 4H), 4.2 (m, 2H), 5.82 (s, 2H), 5.86 (s, 1H), 7.7 (m, 1H), 7.8 (m, 1H), 8.2 (d, 1H), 8.25 (s, 1H), 8.3 (d, 1H), 8.5 (s, 1H);

[0972] Elemental Analysis Found C, 56.3; H, 5.5; N, 15.3; C₂₅H₂₉ClN₆O₃S 0.4H₂O requires C, 55.9; H, 5.6; N, 15.7%.

EXAMPLE 87

[0973] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 56, 4-chloropyrimidine was reacted with methyl 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-1-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)piperazine-2-carboxylate and the reaction product was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of methylene chloride and methanol to give 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-methoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 77% yield;

[0974] NMR Spectrum 1.6-2.0 (m, 4H), 2.5 (m, 2H), 2.8 (m, 1H), 3.0 (m, 1H), 3.6-3.9 (m, 6H), 4.25-4.45 (m, 3H), 5.35 (m, 1H), 6.5 (d, 1H), 7.6 (m, 1H), 7.75 (m, 1H), 7.95 (m, 3H), 8.2 (d, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 8.6 (s, 1H);

[0975] Elemental Analysis Found C, 54.5; H, 5.2; N, 11.8; C₂₆H₂₈ClN₅O₅S 0.2CH₂Cl₂ requires C, 54.7; H, 4.9; N, 12.2%.

[0976] The methyl 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-1-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)piperazine-2-carboxylate used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0977] Benzyl chloroformate (8.5 g) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of ethyl piperidine-4-carboxylate (7.85 g), triethylamine (6.95 ml) and methylene chloride (50 ml) which had been cooled to 5° C. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in methanol (100 ml) and 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide (125 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was concentrated by evaporation and the residue was partitioned between diethyl ether and water. The aqueous phase was acidified to pH3 by the addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give 1-benzyloxycarbonylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid (10.1 g).

[0978] Oxalyl chloride (0.429 ml) and DMF (1 drop) were added to a stirred solution of 1-benzyloxycarbonylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid (0.622 g) in methylene chloride (20 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours and then evaporated. The residue was dissolved in methylene chloride (10 ml) and added dropwise to a stirred mixture of methyl 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine-3-carboxylate (0.93 g), triethylamine (0.7 ml) and methylene chloride (10 ml) which had been cooled to 0° C. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The organic phase was washed with a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using increasingly polar mixtures of hexane and ethyl acetate as eluent. There was thus obtained methyl 1-(1-benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-ylcarbonyl)-4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine-2-carboxylate (1.21 g);

[0979] NMR Spectrum 1.4-1.9 (m, 4H), 2.3-2.7 (m, 3H), 2.85 (m, 2H), 3.5-3.9 (m, 6H), 4.15 (m, 2H), 4.35 (m, 1H), 5.1 (s, 2H), 5.3 (m, 1H), 7.2-7.4 (m, 5H), 7.6 (m, 1H), 7.75 (m, 1H), 7.75-8.0 (m, 3H), 8.3 (s, 1H).

[0980] A mixture of a portion (0.512 g) of the material so obtained and a saturated solution of hydrogen bromide gas in glacial acetic acid (5 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 20 minutes. Diethyl ether (100 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred vigorously. The precipitate was isolated, washed with diethyl ether and dried. There was thus obtained methyl 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-1-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)piperazine-2-carboxylate which was used without further purification.

[0981] The methyl 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine-3-carboxylate used above as an intermediate was obtained by the reaction of methyl 1-benzylpiperazine-2-carboxylate (prepared in analogous fashion to the corresponding ethyl ester which is described in Helv. Chim. Acta, 1962, 45, 2383) and 6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl chloride using analogous procedures to those described in the portion of Example 44 which is concerned with the preparation of starting materials.

EXAMPLE 88

[0982] A mixture of 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-methoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.362 g), 1N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (1.3 ml) and methanol (5 ml) was stirred and heated to reflux for 30 minutes. The mixture was acidified by the addition of 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid (2 ml) and evaporated. The residue was dried to give 2-carboxy-4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine (0.41 g);

[0983] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4-1.9 (m, 4H), 2.1-2.5 (m, 1H), 3.0-3.75 (m, 8H), 4.0-4.3 (m, 2H), 5.12 (m, 1H), 7.2 (m, 1H), 7.7 (m, 1H), 7.85 (m, 1H), 8.1-8.3 (m, 4H), 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.75 (s, 1H);

[0984] Elemental Analysis Found C, 41.0; H, 4.2; N, 9.4; C₂₅H₂₆ClN₅O₅S 2NaCl 2H₂O HCl requires C, 40.9; H, 4.3; N, 9.6%.

EXAMPLE 89

[0985] A solution of (E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl chloride (0.12 g) in methylene chloride (2 ml) was added to a stirred suspension of 4-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]aniline (0.141 g) in methylene chloride (10 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 64 hours. The resulting solid was isolated and washed with methylene chloride. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 10:1 mixture of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained N-{4-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]phenyl}-(E)-4-chlorostyrenesulphonamide (0.089 g), m.p. 207-209° C.;

[0986] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 3.43 (m, 4H), 3.6 (m, 4H), 6.8 (d, 2H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 7.27 (d, 2H), 7.3-7.5 (m, 5H), 7.63 (d, 2H), 8.16 (d, 2H);

[0987] Elemental Analysis Found C, 59.0; H, 4.9; N, 11.3; C₂₄H₂₃ClN₄O₃S 0.25H₂O requires C, 59.1; H, 4.9; N, 11.5%.

[0988] The 4-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]aniline used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[0989] 4-Nitrobenzoyl chloride (4.64 g) was added to a stirred suspension of 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine (4.08 g), triethylamine (3.48 ml) and DMF (50 ml) which had been cooled to 4° C. The mixture was stirredat 4° C. for 1 hour and at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using a 10:1 mixture of methylene chloride and methanol as eluent. There was thus obtained 4-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]nitrobenzene (5.09 g), m.p. 158-160° C.

[0990] A mixture of a portion (3.74 g) of the material so obtained, 10% palladium-on-carbon catalyst (0.3 g), 1N aqueous hydrochloric acid (24 ml) and methanol (75 ml) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen gas until uptake of hydrogen ceased. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in water (25 ml) and the solution was basified to pH10 by the addition of 1N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The resultant precipitate was isolated, washed with water and dried. There was thus obtained 4-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]aniline (2.91 g), m.p. 254-256° C.

EXAMPLE 90

[0991] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 89, 4-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]aniline was reacted with 4′-bromo-4-biphenylylsulphonyl chloride to give N-{4-[4-(4-pyridyl)-piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]phenyl}-4′-bromo-4-biphenylylsulphonamide hydrochloride salt in 90% yield, m.p. 201-205° C.;

[0992] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 3.6 (m, 4H), 3.73 (m, 4H), 7.18 (m, 4H), 7.39 (m, 2H), 7.69 (s, 4H), 7.9 (s, 4H), 8.27 (d, 2H);

[0993] Elemental Analysis Found C, 54.0; H, 4.4; N, 9.0; C₂₈H₂₅BrN₄O₃S HCl 0.5H₂O requires C, 54.0; H, 4.4; N, 9.0%.

EXAMPLE 91

[0994] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 20, 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-carboxy-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine was reacted with glycine methyl ester to give 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-[1N-(methoxycarbonylmethyl)carbamoyl]-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine in 76% yield as a glass;

[0995] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃, 100° C.) 1.55-1.8 (m, 4H), 2.55-3.1 (m, 6H), 3.4 (m, 1H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 3.7-3.95 (m, 4H), 4.15 (m, 2H), 4.95 (m, 1H), 6.75 (d, 2H), 7.7-7.9 (m, 3H), 8.05-8.15 (m, 4H), 8.3 (d, 1H), 8.4 (d, 1H);

[0996] Elemental Analysis Found C, 51.9; H, 5.0; N, 10.2; C₂₉H₃₂BrN₅O₆S 0.75H₂O requires C, 51.9; H, 5.0; N, 10.4%.

EXAMPLE 92

[0997] Using an analogous procedure to that disclosed in Example 2, 1-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)-4-(4-pyridyl)piperazine was reacted with 6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl chloride to give 1-[1-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-4-(4-pyridyl)piperazine in 20% yield, m.p. 229-230° C.;

[0998] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.6 (m, 4H), 2.3-2.7 (m, 3H), 3.5-3.8 (m, 10H), 6.8 (d, 2H), 7.8 (d, 2H), 8.2 (t, 4H), 8.4 (d, 1H), 8.5 (d, 1H).

[0999] The 1-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)-4-(4-pyridyl)piperazine used as a starting material was obtained as follows:

[1000] Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (5.09 g) was added to a stirred mixture of piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (3 g), sodium carbonate (2.48 g), 1,4-dioxan (20 ml) and water (20 ml) which had been cooled to 0° C. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was concentrated by evaporation to one third of the original volume and a saturated sodium bisulphate solution was added to bring the solution to pH2 to 3. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed with water and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give 1-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid (4.36 g) which was used without further purification.

[1001] Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 14, a portion (1.41 g) of the material so obtained was reacted with 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine to give 1-(1-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperidin-4-ylcarbonyl)-4-(4-pyridyl)piperazine in 20% yield;

[1002] NMR Spectrum (CD₃SOCD₃) 1.4 (s, 9H), 1.6 (m, 2H), 2.9 (m, 6H), 3.4 (s, 2H), 3.6 (d, 3H), 4.0 (m, 4H), 7.0-8.0 (m, 4H).

[1003] A mixture of the material so obtained (0.45 g), 4N aqueous hydrochloric acid (2 ml) and diethyl ether (15 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated to give 1-(4-piperidinylcarbonyl)-4-(4-pyridyl)piperazine (0.31 g) which was used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 93

[1004] The following illustrate representative pharmaceutical dosage forms containing the compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof (hereafter compound X), for therapeutic or prophylactic use in humans: (a) Tablet I mg/tablet Compound X 100 Lactose Ph.Eur 182.75 Croscarmellose sodium 12.0 Maize starch paste (5% w/v paste) 2.25 Magnesium stearate 3.0 (b) Tablet II mg/tablet Compound X 50 Lactose Ph.Eur 223.75 Croscarmellose sodium 6.0 Maize starch 15.0 Polyvinylpyrrolidone (5% w/v paste) 2.25 Magnesium stearate 3.0 (c) Tablet III mg/tablet Compound X 1.0 Lactose Ph.Eur 93.25 Croscarmellose sodium 4.0 Maize starch paste (5% w/v paste) 0.75 Magnesium stearate 1.0 (d) Capsule mg/capsule Compound X 10 Lactose Ph.Eur 488.5 Magnesium stearate 1.5 (e) Injection I (50 mg/ml) Compound X  5.0% w/v 1M Sodium hydroxide solution 15.0% v/v 0.1M Hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH to 7.6) Polyethylene glycol 400  4.5% w/v Water for injection to 100% (f) Injection II 10 mg/ml) Compound X  1.0% w/v Sodium phosphate BP  3.6% w/v 0.1M Sodium hydroxide solution 15.0% v/v Water for injection to 100% (g) Injection III (1 mg/ml.buffered to pH6) Compound X 0.1%  w/v Sodium phosphate BP 2.26% w/v Citric acid 0.38% w/v Polyethylene glycol 400 3.5%  w/v Water for injection to 100%

[1005] 

1. An aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I

wherein G¹ is CH or N; G² is CH or N; G³ is CH or N; m is 1 or 2; R¹ is hydrogen, amino, halogeno, cyano, (1-4C)alkyl or (1-4C)alkoxy; M¹ is a group of the formula NR²—L¹—T¹R³ in which R² and R³ together form a (1-4C)alkylene group, L¹ is (1-4C)alkylene, and T¹ is CH or N, and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the rings formed when R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a (1-4C)alkyl substituent; A is a direct link to the carbonyl group, or A is (1-4C)alkylene; M²is a group of the formula (T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵ in which r is 0 or 1, T² is CH or N, T³ is CH or N, R⁴ is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, R⁵ is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a (1-4C)alkylene, methylenecarbonyl or carbonylmethylene group, or R⁴ is a (2-3C)alkylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², or R⁵ is a (2-3C)alkylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁵ and T³, L² is (1-4C)alkylene, (3-6C)cycloalkane-1,2-diyl, (1-3C)alkylene-carbonyl or phenylene, and, when r is 1, L² may also be carbonyl-(1-3C)alkylene, and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the rings formed when R⁴ and R⁵, R⁴ and L² or R⁵ and L² are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of oxo, carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]-N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[carboxy-(1-3C)alkyl]-N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-3C)alkyl]-N-[hydroxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-3C)alkyl]-N-[(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, (1-4C)alkyl, carboxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, piperidinocarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, morpholinocarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(1-4C)alkyl and phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl, and wherein any heterocyclic group in said substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl and N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, and wherein any phenyl or phenylene group in M² optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy; M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula L³—(NR⁶)_(s) in which s is 0 or 1, R⁶ is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, or R⁵ and R⁶ together form a (1-4C)alkylene, methylenecarbonyl or carbonylmethylene group, or R⁶ is a (2-3C)alkylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L³ forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving NR⁶, L³ is (1-4C)alkylene, (3-6C)cycloalkane-1,2-diyl, carbonyl-(1-3C)alkylene or phenylene, and, when s is 1, L³ may also be (1-3C)alkylene-carbonyl, and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L³ and the rings formed when R⁵and R⁶ or R⁶ and L³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of oxo, carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl, (1-4C)alkyl, carboxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, piperidinocarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, morpholinocarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, N-[phenyl-(1-3C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkyl, hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(1-4C)alkyl and phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl, and wherein any heterocyclic group in said substituent optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, carboxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl and N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, and wherein any phenyl or phenylene group in M³ optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, trifluoromethyl, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy; X is oxy, thio, sulphinyl, sulphonyl, carbonyl, carbonyloxy, carbonylamino, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbonylamino, sulphonylamino, methylene, (1-4C)alkylmethylene or di-(1-4C)alkylmethylene, or, when T³ is CH and M³ is a direct link to X, X may also be aminosulphonyl or oxycarbonyl; and Q is phenyl, naphthyl, phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl, phenyl-(2-4C)alkenyl, phenyl-(2-4C)alkynyl, (5-7C)cycloalkyl or a heterocyclic moiety containing up to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, and Q optionally bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, amino, halogeno, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, carboxy, carbamoyl, formyl, formimidoyl, formohydroximoyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (2-4C)alkanoylamino, (2-4C)alkanoyl, (2-4C)alkanoimidoyl, (2-4C)alkanohydroximoyl, phenyl, heteroaryl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenylsulphinyl, phenylsulphonyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, heteroarylsulphinyl, heteroarylsulphonyl, benzyl and benzoyl, and wherein said heteroaryl substituent or the heteroaryl group in a heteroaryl-containing substituent comprises a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring containing up to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, and wherein said phenyl, heteroaryl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenylsulphinyl, phenylsulphonyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, heteroarylsulphinyl, heteroarylsulphonyl, benzyl or benzoyl substituent optionally bears 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogeno, trifluoromethyl, cyano, trifluoromethoxy, nitro, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, hydroxy, amino, carboxy, carbamoyl, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (2-4C)alkanoylamino and tetrazolyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 2. An aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of G¹, G² and G³ is CH, or each of G¹ and G² is CH and G³ is N, or G¹ is N and each of G² and G³ is CH; m is 1 or 2 and each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, amino, fluoro, chloro, bromo, cyano, methyl, ethyl and methoxy; M¹ is a group of the formula NR²—L¹—T¹R³ in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group, L¹ is methylene or ethylene, and T¹ is CH or N, and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the ring formed when R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl and ethyl; A is a direct link to the carbonyl group or A is methylene; M² is a group of the formula (T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵ in which r is 0 or 1, T² is CH or N, T³ is N, R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a methylene, ethylene, trimethylene or methylenecarbonyl group, or R⁴ is an ethylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and L² is methylene, ethylene, trimethylene, methylenecarbonyl or phenylene, and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the ring formed when R⁴ and R⁵ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of oxo, carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, 1carbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, 4-methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, methyl, ethyl, carboxymethyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, ethoxycarbonylmethyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl and benzyl, and wherein the pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl or 4-methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl substituent optionally bears a methyl or ethyl substituent; M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula L³—(NR⁶)_(s) in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene or carbonylethylene; X is thio, sulphinyl, sulphonyl, carbonyl, carbonyloxy or methylene; and Q is phenyl, naphthyl, benzyl, phenethyl, styryl, 2-phenylethynyl, dibenzofuranyl, biphenylyl, pyridylphenyl or pyridylthienyl, and Q optionally bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, amino, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, carboxy, carbamoyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 3. An aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of G¹, G² and G³ is CH, or each of G¹ and G² is CH and G³ is N, or G¹ is N and each of G² and G³ is CH; m is 1 or 2 and each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, amino, chloro, methyl and ethyl; M¹ is a group of the formula NR²—L¹—T¹R³ in which R²and R³ together form an ethylene group, L¹ is ethylene, and T¹ is CH or N; A is a direct link to the carbonyl group or A is methylene; M² is a group of the formula (T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵ in which r is 0 or 1, T² is N, T³ is N, R⁴ is hydrogen, R⁵ is hydrogen, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, or R⁴is an ethylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and L² is methylene, ethylene, or phenylene, and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the ring formed when R⁴ and R⁵ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, 4-methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, methyl, ethyl and benzyl, and wherein the pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl or 4-4methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl substituent optionally bears a methyl or ethyl substituent; M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula L³—(NR⁶)_(s) in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene; X is sulphonyl; and Q is phenyl, naphthyl, benzyl, phenethyl, styryl, 2-phenylethynyl, dibenzofuranyl, biphenylyl, pyridylphenyl or pyridylthienyl, and Q optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 4. An aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I as claimed in claim 1 wherein G³ is CH or N and each of G¹ and G² is CH; m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen; M¹ is a group of the formula NR²—L¹—T¹R³ in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group, L¹ is methylene or ethylene, and T¹is CH or N, and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the ring formed when R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl and ethyl; A is a direct link to the carbonyl group or A is methylene; M² is a group of the formula (T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵ in which r is 1, T² is CH or N, T³ is N, R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a methylene, ethylene or trimethylene group, or R⁴ is an ethylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and L² is methylene, ethylene or trimethylene, and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the ring formed when R⁴ and R⁵ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of oxo, carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, methyl, ethyl and benzyl, and wherein the pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl or piperidinocarbonyl substituent optionally bears one or two methyl or ethyl substituents; M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula L³—(NR⁶)_(s) in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene or carbonylethylene; X is sulphonyl; and Q is 3- or 4-biphenylyl which optionally bears, in the ring attached to X, 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, fluoro, chloro, bromo, cyano, trifluoromethyl, methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy and which optionally bears in the terminal phenyl group up to 4 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, cyano, trifluoromethoxy, methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 5. An aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I as claimed in claim 1 wherein G³ is CH or N and each of G¹ and G² is CH; m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen; M¹ is a group of the formula NR²—L¹—T¹R³ in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group, L¹ is methylene or ethylene, and T¹ is CH or N, and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L¹ and the ring formed when R² and R³ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl and ethyl; A is a direct link to the carbonyl group or A is methylene; M² is a group of the formula (T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵ in which r is 1, T² is CH or N, T³ is N, R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a methylene, ethylene or trimethylene group, or R⁴ is an ethylene group which is linked to a methylene group within L² forming a 5- or 6-membered ring involving R⁴ and T², and L² is methylene, ethylene or trimethylene, and wherein 1 or 2 methylene groups within L² and the ring formed when R⁴ and R⁵ are linked optionally bears a substituent selected from the group consisting of oxo, carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, methyl, ethyl and benzyl, and wherein the pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl or piperidinocarbonyl substituent optionally bears one or two methyl or ethyl substituents; M³ is a direct link to X, or M³ is a group of the formula L³—(NR⁶)_(s) in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene or carbonylethylene; X is sulphonyl; and Q is benzyl, phenethyl, styryl or 2-phenylethynyl which optionally bears 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, cyano, trifluoromethyl, methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 6. An aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula Ia

wherein each of G¹ and G² is CH, G¹ is N and G² is CH, or G¹ is CH and G² is N; m is 1 and R¹ is hydrogen; 1 is a group of the formula NR²—L —T¹R³ in which R² and R³ together form an ethylene group, L¹ is ethylene, and T¹ is CH or N; A is a direct link to the carbonyl group; M² is a group of formula (T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵ in which r is 1, T² is N and T³ is N, R⁴ is hydrogen, R⁵ is hydrogen, or R⁴ and R⁵ together form an ethylene group, and L² is ethylene, and wherein 1 methylene group within L² optionally bears a substituent selected from carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, piperidinocarbonyl, methyl and benzyl; M³is a direct link to X, or T³ is a group of the formula L³—(NR⁶)_(s) in which s is 1, R⁶ is hydrogen and L³ is carbonylmethylene; X is sulphonyl; and Q is 2-naphthyl which optionally bears 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, methyl, methoxy and ethoxy; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.
 7. An aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I as claimed in claim 1 selected from 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]ethyl}acetamide, 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine, 2-2-naphthalesulphonamido)-N-(1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-{2-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-yl]acetamido}ethyl)acetamide, 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-(1-piperidinocarbonyl-2-{2-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-yl]acetamido}ethyl)acetamide, ethyl 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]propionate, 1-[1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-4-(4-pyridyl)-piperazine, 2-(2-naphthalenesulphonamido)-N-{1-phenyl-3-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonylamino]prop-2-yl}acetamide, 4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbony]-1-1-[(E)-styrylsulphonyl]-piperazine, 1-[(E)-4-chlorolsulphonyl]-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine, 1-[(E)-4-methylstyrylsulphonyl]-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 4-[(E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl]-2-methyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 1-(4-biphenylylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine, 1-(4′-chloro-4-biphenylylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 1-[(E)-4-chlorostyrylsulphonyl]-4-[1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 1-(7-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 2-ethoxycarbonyl-4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 1-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine, 1-[(E)-4-fluorostyrylsulphonyl]-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 1-[(E)-4-bromostyrylsulphonyl]-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-piperazine, 1-(4′-bromo-4-biphenylylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 1-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[4-(4-pyridyl)piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 4-(2-naphthylsulphonyl)-2-piperidinocarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 2-carboxy-4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyrimidinyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 4-[1-(2-aminopyrimidin-4-yl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]-1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)piperazine, 1-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-4-[1-(4-pyridazinyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-carboxy-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 4-(6-bromonaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-morpholinocarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine, 4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-2-methoxycarbonyl-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)-piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine and 2-carboxy-4-(6-chloronaphth-2-ylsulphonyl)-1-[1-(4-pyridyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyl]piperazine; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 8. A process for the preparation of an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I or of the formula Ia, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 which comprises: (a) for the production of those compounds of the formula I or formula Ia wherein M² is a group of the formula (T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵ in which T² is N and r is 1, the reaction of an acid of the formula II, or a reactive derivative thereof,

 with an amine of the formula HNR⁴—L²—T³R⁵—M³—X—Q (b) for the production of those compounds of the formula I or formula Ia wherein M² is a group of the formula (T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵ in which T³ is N, and wherein M³ is a direct link to X, the reaction of an amine of formula III

 with a compound of the formula Z—X—Q wherein Z is a displaceable group; (c) for the production of those compounds of the formula I or formula Ia wherein M¹ is a group of the formula NR²—L¹—T¹R³ in which T¹ is N, and wherein A is a direct link to the carbonyl group, the reaction of an amine of the formula IV

 with an acid of the formula HO₂C—M²—M³—X—Q  or a reactive derivative thereof; (d) for the production of those compounds of the formula I or formula Ia wherein M² is a group of the formula (T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵  in which T³ is N, and wherein M³ is a group of the formula L³—(N⁶)_(s)  in which L³ is carbonylmethylene, the reaction of an amine of the formula III with an acid of the formula HO₂C—CH₂—(NR⁶)_(s)—X—Q  or a reactive derivative thereof; (e) for the production of those compounds of the formula I or formula Ia wherein M² is a group of the formula (T²R⁴)_(r)—L²—T³R⁵  in which T³ is N, and wherein M³ is a direct link to X and X is carbonylamino, the reaction of an amine of the formula III with an isocyanate of the formula OCN—X—Q (f) the reaction of a compound of the formula V

 wherein Z is a displaceable group, with an amine of the formula HNR²—L¹—T¹R³—A—CO—M²—M³—X—Q (g) for the production of those compounds of the formula I or formula Ia wherein M², M³ or Q bears a carboxy or carboxy-containing group, the hydrolysis of a compound of the formula I wherein M², M³ or Q bears a (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl group; (h) for the production of those compounds of the formula I or formula Ia wherein M², M³ or Q bears a carbamoyl, N-alkylcarbamoyl or N,N-dialkylcarbamoyl group, the reaction of a compound of the formula I wherein M², M³ or Q bears a carboxy group, or a reactive derivative thereof, with ammonia or an appropriate alkylamine or dialkylamine; or (i) for the production of those compounds of the formula I or formula Ia wherein Q bears a hydroxy group, the dealkylation of a compound of the formula I wherein Q bears a (1-4C)alkoxy group; and when a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of a compound of the formula I is required, it may be obtained by reaction of said compound with a suitable acid or base using a conventional procedure; and when an optically active form of a compound of the formula I is required, it may be obtained by carrying out one of the aforesaid procedures using an optically active starting material or by resolution of a racemic form of said compound using a conventional procedure.
 9. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I or of the formula Ia, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, in association with a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.
 10. The use of an aminoheterocyclic derivative of the formula I or of the formula Ia, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, in the production of a medicament for use in producing an anticoagulant or antithrombotic effect. 